A survey of Yokohama citizens about the prospect of an IR bid, conducted by Kanagawa Shimbun and JX PRESS, has shown that 63.85% oppose the bid.<\/p>\n
The most common reason for the public\u2019s opposition was that, \u201cA casino does not go with the image of Yokohama.\u201d<\/p>\n
Further, 72.48% of citizens surveyed felt that a referendum should be held on the matter.<\/p>\n
In the survey, citizens were asked if they agreed with a bid for an IR with 48.8% answering that they strongly oppose and another 15.05% replying that if they had to give an answer, it would be to oppose.<\/p>\n
On the other side of the debate, 9.78% said they strongly approve with 15.92% stating that if they had to give an answer, it would be to approve. This means 25.7% of respondents approve of a Yokohama IR.<\/p>\n
When asked for reasons why respondents answered the way they did, 30.33% of those opposing said it was because they didn\u2019t believe a casino fits the image of Yokohama.<\/p>\n
Residents expressed love for their city and said they wanted an urban plan that did not rely on IR. Other answers included, \u201cWorry for public safety\u201d (24.32%), \u201cOther policies should be prioritized\u201d (23.57%) and \u201cMore people will become addicted to gambling\u201d (18.77%).<\/p>\n
The most popular reason for those offering support for an IR was because it would increase the city\u2019s tax revenue (38.81%). Other responses included, \u201cWe can expect an improvement in the economy\u201d (32.84%), \u201cPromotes tourism industry\u201d (22.39%) and \u201cCitizens can enjoy casinos\u201d (3.36%).<\/p>\n
10.45% of respondents were undecided and of those 42.2% said that they didn\u2019t have enough information to make a judgement.<\/p>\n
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