Japan is currently creating a legal framework to operate casinos via a system of integrated resorts, but concerns persist that they¡¯ll be prime targets for organized crime once they¡¯re finally up and running by 2024.

¡°The yakuza have changed over the years, but one thing won¡¯t change: They¡¯re all about the money,¡± former FBI Special Agent James Stern says. ¡°Tradition comes second.¡±

Many of the domestic yakuza syndicates were originally gambling federations and, as such, they¡¯ve effectively been operating illegal casinos for decades. Indeed, it¡¯s not hard to imagine that gambling resorts will be attractive targets for gangs.