Japan Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Online Gambling with International Cooperation

In a significant move to curb illegal online gambling, the Japanese government is intensifying its efforts by calling on multiple countries and territories to restrict access to their licensed online casino platforms for Japanese residents. This initiative is in response to a growing concern over the country’s illegal gambling market, which has seen increasing involvement from high-profile individuals, including professional athletes and celebrities.

Japan’s authorities have formally requested that operators of online casinos licensed in several countries, including Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Malta, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Anjouan Island (Comoros), and Curaçao, block access to their platforms from Japanese residents. Despite these operators being legally licensed in their respective jurisdictions, gambling on overseas-based betting sites is illegal under Japanese law. This has led to a crackdown targeting the operators of such sites, with the goal of reducing the growing trend of online gambling within Japan.

An analysis conducted by Japanese authorities on 40 Japanese-language casino websites revealed that the vast majority—approximately 70 percent—were . Of these, only two clearly stated that access from Japan was forbidden, while some sites openly targeted Japanese users, further complicating enforcement. To address this issue, Japan’s Ministry of Justice has called for stronger enforcement measures, aiming to restrict illegal gambling and promote awareness about the consequences of participating in such activities.

In tandem with these international diplomatic efforts, Japan is moving forward with new domestic legislation that will strengthen the country’s stance on online gambling. A bill aimed at revising the existing gambling addiction laws is set to be passed by the Diet before June 22, 2025. The bill is designed to ban the promotion, operation, and advertisement of illegal online casinos, as well as referral links, especially those shared on social media, which have been instrumental in guiding Japanese users to foreign gambling platforms.

Once enacted, the bill will impose significant penalties for violators. Individuals caught engaging in illegal gambling may face fines up to ¥500,000 (approximately US$3,400), and habitual offenders could be jailed for up to three years. The legislation also aims to combat the rising issue of online gambling addiction by targeting the flow of information that leads individuals to these illegal platforms. By doing so, Japan hopes to reduce the number of people unknowingly engaging with unregulated sites and protect its citizens from the potential harms associated with online gambling.

According to estimates by Japan’s National Police Agency, approximately 3.37 million people in the country are currently engaged in online gambling, collectively spending an estimated ¥1.24 trillion (around US$8.6 billion) each year. Despite these figures, many Japanese residents remain unaware that gambling on foreign-based websites is illegal under the country’s laws. As a result, the government is placing a heavy emphasis on public education, aiming to raise awareness about the risks associated with online casinos and the legal ramifications of engaging in such activities.

In addition to addressing the issues of advertising and referral links, the Japanese government is also focusing on payment agents and promoters who facilitate these illegal gambling activities, particularly through social media channels. The police have been actively targeting these intermediaries, who help facilitate financial transactions and promote gambling sites to a wider audience. However, the legal challenges of holding foreign operators accountable, particularly those licensed abroad, have made it difficult for Japanese authorities to directly penalize these platforms.

While Japan’s crackdown on illegal online gambling is progressing, the enforcement of these regulations remains challenging. Foreign operators licensed outside Japan’s jurisdiction are often difficult to regulate directly, especially as these platforms operate legally in their home countries. To address this, Japan is focusing its efforts on blocking access to these sites from within the country and penalizing payment agents and social media promoters. Authorities have also been working on tightening cooperation with other countries to ensure better compliance with Japan’s anti-gambling laws.

In parallel with these enforcement efforts, Japan is preparing for the opening of its first legal land-based integrated resort (IR), , scheduled for 2030. This $9.4 billion project, developed by MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corporation, will feature a legal casino and is seen as a key element of the country’s strategy to boost tourism. However, Japanese lawmakers are concerned that the growth of online gambling could undercut the potential benefits of the new casino. Therefore, the government is prioritizing the protection of citizens from the negative effects of illegal online gambling.

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As Japan works to combat illegal online gambling, public education and international collaboration will play critical roles in the success of these efforts. Authorities plan to launch awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the legal risks associated with online casinos. By informing the public about the dangers of engaging with illegal platforms, Japan hopes to reduce the number of residents unknowingly participating in these unregulated activities. The government’s broader strategy also includes a focus on responsible gambling practices, ensuring that the anticipated growth of Japan’s legal gambling market does not lead to greater harm to its citizens.

Source:

, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, June 17, 2025.