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Coronavirus

Japan struggles to shut down pachinko parlors as it battles virus

Tokyo is on the verge of naming gambling halls that are refusing to close

Pachinko, a pinball game comparable to slot machines in the West, is a popular form of gambling in Japan.   © Reuters

TOKYO -- Municipal governments in Japan are criticizing pachinko parlors that have remained open despite requests to close down as the country tries to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

The parlors are popular gambling destinations, and lines can often be seen forming outside of the noisy halls before they open in the morning.

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