It may not be the new Macau or Las Vegas, but if things go as planned, Japan’s casino trajectory may just follow that of Singapore, according to an analyst.

Casino gambling is prohibited under Japan’s constitution, but multiple reports have surfaced over the past weeks about a plan to push for the legalization of casino gambling in the country. There is no guarantee that the so-called Integrated Resorts Promotion bill will make the legislative cut, and even if it does, there may not be enough time in the extraordinary session – which commences later this month and wraps up in late November – to address the always contentious casino question.

In an interview with Reuters, ruling Liberal Democratic Party General Council chair Hiroyuki Hosoda said “there was a near-certainty the bill would be debated in the current parliamentary session.”

Unlike previous efforts, the chances of success are higher this time, according to Global Market Advisors managing partner Steven Galloway, thanks to international casino operators who have stepped up their efforts to educate Japanese legislators and stakeholders on the benefits of casinos.