Japanese Administration Plans Extensive Actions Against Unlawful Online Gambling Sites
Unlocking the Fight Against Rogue Online Casinos: A Global Perspective
Japan takes aim at illegal online gambling, but how does it compare to other nations' strategies?
In the crosshairs: the Japanese government's crusade against unauthorized online casinos
As the floodgates of online gambling surge, the Japanese government is determined to stem the tide of illegal activities and rising addiction rates. With a reported 3.37 million users engaged in unlawful internet gambling, the scale of the problem is staggering [1]. Despite government intervention, the land of the rising sun continues to feel the grip of these clandestine gaming platforms. To combat this escalating issue, the Japanese government is exploring drastic measures, from blocking access to enforcing strict penalties.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Constitutional Concerns
Unraveling the tangled web of telecommunications secrecy and data privacy is pivotal to the success of these efforts. To this end, the government is mulling over the feasibility of adopting filter software like i-FILTER, a technology initially developed to block child pornographic content [1]. While similar measures have stood firm in the legal realm, the question remains as to whether the same can be said for online casinos.
Far-off Shores: A Peek at Other Nations' Tactics
In contrast to the prevailing uncertainty in Japan, several countries have long succeeded in curbing illegal online gambling. These nations have turned to targeted blocking, payment, and advertising restrictions as their weapons of choice.
Germany: With the new Gaming State Treaty in effect since 2021, German authorities reliably block unauthorized providers using network blocking (DNS blocking) [2]. Not content with simply preventing access, the government also works tirelessly to disrupt payment streams via partnerships with banks and payment service providers.
Austria: The Austrian gambling authority (GGL) employs IP and DNS blocking to bar unlicensed providers, with the Administrative Court endorsing the legality of these actions as far back as 2019 [2].
United Kingdom: The Gambling Commission collaborates closely with internet providers to block illegal sites via DNS blocking, while also keeping a watchful eye on affiliate marketing and suspicious transactions [2].
Norway: Since 2024, internet providers can block DNS addresses of illicit gambling sites upon the Norwegian regulatory authority's instructions. However, only state-sanctioned operators like Norsk Tipping are authorized to operate [2].
Denmark:The Danish Gambling Authority successfully blocked 49 illegal providers, including sports betting and casino sites, in 2023 [2]. Since 2012, over 270 blocks have been imposed, with the authority actively seeking new sites and launching legal action.
Australia: The Australian Communications and Media Authority ('ACMA') wields extensive blocking powers, publishing a list of blocked providers and requiring the cooperation of internet providers [2].
The Scandal that Shook the Nation
A series of scandals involving celebrities and professional athletes has served as a catalyst for the current debate, intensifying pressure for decisive action against illegal online casinos [1]. Notable figures from the Yoshimoto Kogyo comedy agency and several baseball players have found themselves ensnared in the crosshairs. As the public's ire mounts, the need for effective measures against these clandestine operators becomes more pressing than ever.
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- National Police Agency: "Online Casino Gambling in Japan Remains Popular Despite Ban." The Japan Times, 01 June 2025. [Link in English].
- Burke, Angela, and Yannick Schroth. "Multiple measures against online casinos under discussion." [Article], [Published on: 07.05.2025. Updated on: 29.05.2025.]
- Schroth, Yannick. "Over 3.3 million Japanese use online casinos despite the ban." [Article], [Published on: 07.05.2025. Updated on: 29.05.2025.]
- Tanaka, Haruyuki. "Japan to Crack Down on Online Gambling." The Japan News, 01 June 2025. [Link in English].
- "Japan Plans to Block Online Casinos Amid Rising Addiction Concerns." Reuters, 01 June 2025. [Link in English].
For overall, country comparison:1. Gambling Commission. "Internet Gambling." [Website]. Last accessed 30th May 2025.2. European Gaming Media and Events. "Differences Between Online Gaming Regulation in Germany and the UK." [Website]. Last accessed 30th May 2025.3. Wilhelmsson, T. "Online Gambling Laws in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway." Online Gambling Lawyer, 29th April 2020. [Website]. Last accessed 30th May 2025.```
- What measures is the Japanese government considering to combat illegal online casinos, apart from blocking access and enforcing penalties?
- The Japanese government is contemplating adopting i-FILTER, a technology initially developed to block child pornographic content, as a means of curbing online gambling.
- How have other countries dealt with the issue of illegal online gambling?
- Germany has been effectively blocking unauthorized providers using DNS blocking since 2021.
- The Austrian gambling authority (GGL) employs IP and DNS blocking to bar unlicensed providers.
- The UK Gambling Commission collaborates with internet providers to block illegal sites via DNS blocking.
- Norway's regulatory authority can block DNS addresses of illicit gambling sites since 2024.
- Denmark's Gambling Authority is actively seeking new sites and launching legal action against illegal providers.
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority ('ACMA') publishes a list of blocked providers and requires the cooperation of internet providers.
- A series of scandals involving celebrities and professional athletes has intensified the debate regarding illegal online casinos in Japan.
- Notable figures from the Yoshimoto Kogyo comedy agency and several baseball players have found themselves ensnared in the issue.
- As public frustration grows, there is an increasingly urgent need for effective measures against these clandestine operators.
- The fight against rogue online casinos requires a global perspective, taking into account various tactics employed by different industries, including finance, technology, and gaming.
