A Japanese lawmaker was arrested on suspicion of accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from a company looking to build a casino, according to the Tokyo Public Prosecution Office.

A prosecutor's statement said that Tsukasa Akimoto, a former member of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling party, received three million yen in cash in 2017 (about $ 27,000) from an unnamed company.

The MP's arrest could put pressure on the Abe administration, which legalized the creation of casinos in Japan in 2018, despite strong opposition to the move.

Akimoto, who in his tweet denied the charges, was charged with overseeing the government's policy of creating casinos in the country.

The prosecution alleges that the attorney received the money “knowing that the company paid him to request arrangements with preferential benefits” related to casino construction projects. The Tokyo prosecutor also ordered the arrest of three employees of a Chinese bookmaker, who paid bribes to Akimoto, according to the official NHK radio.

Akimoto resigned from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party immediately after his arrest. Prosecutors said that Akimoto "was invited to travel on a trip to Hokkaido, and received an allowance of about 700,000 yen, including travel and residence tickets."

The Japanese government has always encouraged the construction of massive resorts that include casinos, entertainment, restaurants and hotels, and conference facilities such as Las Vegas.

Supporters of this policy say casinos boost the country's stagnant economy by attracting tourists and businesses, as well as in regional gambling centers, such as Macau.

Japan is seen as a breeding ground for gambling in Asia, due to the richness of its population and its proximity to the huge Chinese market, and the Japanese 's fondness for other forms of legal games, such as horse racing and pachinko, similar to the well-known slot machines.

But many activists are concerned about the spread of the gambling addiction scourge in Japan, a problem well documented.

- Japan is seen as fertile ground for gambling

In Asia, due to the richness and proximity of its population

From the huge Chinese market, the Japanese fond

Other forms of legal games, such as bookmaking

Horse racing, pachinko, machinery-like

Well-known slot gambling.