Japanese Government Intends to Implement Extensive Strategies to Combat Illicit Online Gambling Operations
Standoff on online casinos: Japan's ongoing crusade against illegal gambling sites
In the digital age, Japan is grappling with the rise of online casinos, despite a nationwide ban. © Nick Kwan/Pexels
The cat-and-mouse game: authorities versus illegal online casinos
With a surge in gambling addicts and illicit activities, Japanese authorities are fighting a relentless battle against unlawful online casinos. The Japan News [Link in English] reported on this issue recently.
At the tail-end of April 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications held a panel discussion regarding potential blocking of these sites, aiming to prevent access. The Liberal Democratic Party is also pushing for a significant revamp of a central framework law to address gambling addiction.
The proposed revisions seek to compel internet service providers to refrain from promoting unlawful online casinos. Affiliate sites, which direct users to gambling platforms, will also be banned. In addition, credit card payments to certain providers will be blocked, and youth protection filter software will be strengthened.
A sizable user base, ignorant of the law and the danger
According to the National Police Agency, roughly 3.37 million Japanese have participated in online casinos, in defiance of the ban - the annual betting volume amounts to over 1.2 trillion yen (approximately 7.6 billion EUR). Younger demographics make up a significant portion of these users, with many being unaware that their actions are illegal.
A survey by the magazine Sumikai [Link in English] revealed that 43.5% of respondents did not know that online casinos were banned in Japan; 46% of those affected admitted to generating debts through gambling.
It's alarming that over 60% of users have acknowledged their own addiction. The easy access to gambling via smartphones exacerbates the problem, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to break free.
"They dive into [online casino gambling] as if it were a video game and quickly become hooked. Because access to online casino websites is easily granted via smartphones, it's tough to treat them by denying access," said Takanobu Matsuzaki, head of the psychiatric department of the National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, in an interview with The Japan Times.
Constitutional concerns lurk in the shadows
Technological solutions, such as the AI-based filter software i-FILTER developed by Digital Arts [2] are expected to be used in the future to help block access to gambling sites. While similar measures have so far been legally enforceable only for child pornographic content, the expert panel is currently assessing whether this can be expanded to online casinos. An interim report on the feasibility of these measures is anticipated by summer 2025.
Constitutionally protected telecommunications secrecy presents the greatest obstacle. Past blocking attempts have stalled due to these privacy concerns. Consequently, discussions revolve around alternative methods such as voluntary blocking by foreign providers or enhanced international cooperation.
Global Comparison: Regulating illegal online gambling across nations
While Japan grapples with the blocking of illegal online casinos, other countries have already enacted far-reaching measures. Many Western nations rely on targeted blocking, combined with payment and advertising restrictions.
Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark have implemented various measures to tackle illegal online gambling. Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, and Belgium have also adopted similar strategies [own knowledge]. Australia is taking a proactive stance in this matter as well [3].
A call to action: the power of celebrities and scandal
The latest round of discussions surrounding the dangers of illegal online casinos can be traced back to a series of scandals involving celebrities and professional athletes who were caught gambling online. These disturbances included comedians from the Yoshimoto Kogyo agency and several baseball players.
Enrichment Data:
Overall
Illegal online gambling persists due to easy access to unlicensed offshore sites. While Japan adopts a more restrictive approach compared to other countries, international cooperation is crucial for effectively combating operators outside the country's jurisdiction.
Countries worldwide are employing various measures to combat illegal online gambling, such as licensing regimes, cooperation with financial entities, legislative changes, and public education campaigns. The U.S., for example, targets unlicensed operators with regulatory bodies and warnings, while state legislatures expressly criminalize certain forms of illegal gambling. Countries like Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom rely on blocking and advertising restrictions.
United States
States in the U.S. impose statutes like the Illegal Gambling Business Act and pursue unlicensed operators through undercover investigations, cracking down on parties that facilitate illegal gambling, such as offshore hosts and payment processors. Arizona is considering legislation to criminalize unregulated digital asset gambling and expand asset forfeiture to digital currencies [2].
Japan
Japan's strict gambling regulations have been met with heavy enforcement, with authorities pursuing illegal operators and working with ISPs to block access to foreign gambling sites. Japan's efforts also involve public awareness campaigns and careful legalization of regulated casinos under strict conditions [own knowledge].
Other Countries
Various countries, along with international organizations like the Council of Europe and the European Union, establish licensing regimes, cooperate with financial entities, enact legislative measures, and launch public campaigns to combat illegal online gambling [own knowledge].
- By 2025, the Japanese government plans to enforce measures that will prevent internet service providers from promoting or facilitating access to illegal online casinos.
- A significant portion of users who participate in online casinos, despite Japan's ban, are younger demographics who are often unaware that their actions are illegal.
- In the future, AI-based filter software such as i-FILTER could potentially be used to block access to gambling sites, but constitutional concerns regarding telecommunications secrecy pose a significant challenge.
- While Japan is currently working on blocking illegal online casinos, many Western countries have already implemented far-reaching measures, including targeted blocking, payment restraints, and advertising restrictions.
