Japanese Authorities Plan Extensive Actions Against Unlawful Internet Gambling Sites
Breaking Down Japan's Crackdown on Illegal Online Casinos
- Millions continue to gamble online, despite the ban
- Japanese government introduces new measures to combat the issue
- Revised legislation to target affiliate marketing and hold internet providers accountable
Stepping Up Against Digital Gambling
In response to the escalating issue of gambling addiction and illegal activities linked to online casinos, the Japanese government is exploring drastic adjustments to regulate the digital gambling scene. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications recently convened an expert panel to discuss potential methods for blocking these unlawful sites [Source: The Japan News].
At the end of April 2025, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) announced plans to revise a central framework law to tackle gambling addiction. These proposed changes aim to legally bind internet service providers to refrain from promoting or facilitating illegal online casinos. Additionally, affiliate sites that specifically direct users to gambling platforms are slated to be banned. Credit card payments to such providers will also be discontinued, and youth protection filter software will be strengthened [Source: Factiva].
Millions Ignoring the Ban - Experts Alarmed
According to data from the National Police Agency, approximately 3.37 million individuals in Japan have participated in online casinos despite the ban, with an annual betting volume exceeding 1.2 trillion JPY (equivalent to approximately 7.6 billion EUR) [Source: NPA]. Younger demographics are particularly affected, with many unaware that online gambling is illegal [Source: Sumikai].
A survey revealed that 43.5% of respondents did not know that online casinos were banned in Japan, and 46% admitted to accumulating debt due to gambling [Source: Sumikai]. Moreover, 60% of users have reported recognizing their addiction, with easy smartphone access accelerating the spiral into dependence and hindering escape [Source: The Japan Times].
"They get swept up in online gambling as if they were playing a video game and quickly become addicted. Since access to online casino websites is easily possible via smartphones, it is difficult to treat them by denying access," states Takanobu Matsuzaki, head of the psychiatric department of the National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center [Source: The Japan Times].
Constitutional Challenges Regarding Blocking
Technological solutions such as AI-based filter software like i-FILTER, developed by software developer Digital Arts, are expected to assist in blocking access to gambling sites in the future. Although similar measures have previously only been legally enforceable for child pornographic content, the expert panel is exploring the possibility of applying these measures to online casinos as well [Source: Factiva].
The primary obstacles lie in the constitutionally protected telecommunications secrecy, which forbids internet service providers from monitoring data traffic. Prior attempts to block content have stalled at this hurdle. Discussions are underway regarding alternative measures, such as voluntary blocking by foreign providers or strengthened international cooperation [Source: Factiva].
Regional Comparison: How Other Nations Fight Unlicensed Gambling Online
While Japan is still deliberating over the blocking of online casinos, various countries have already implemented sweeping measures. Many Western states rely on targeted blocking in combination with payment and advertising restrictions.
A snapshot of these efforts:
- Germany: Since the implementation of the new Gambling State Treaty 2021, German authorities have systematically blocked unauthorized providers using network locks (DNS blocking). In addition, payment streams are obstructed (e.g., through cooperation with banks and payment service providers) [Source: German Federal Government].
- Austria: The Austrian gambling authority (GGL) has utilized IP and DNS blocking to restrict access to unlicensed providers. The Administrative Court validated the legality of these blocks in 2019 [Source: OGH].
- United Kingdom: The Gambling Commission works alongside internet providers to block illegal sites via DNS blocking. Additionally, affiliate marketing is monitored, and payment service providers are encouraged to block suspicious transactions [Source: UK Gambling Commission].
- Norway: Since 2024, internet providers may, at the request of the Norwegian regulatory authority, block DNS addresses of illegal gambling sites. Only state-licensed providers, such as Norsk Tipping, are permitted to operate [Source: LOTTO].
- Denmark: The Danish Gambling Authority Spillemyndigheden has legally blocked 49 unauthorized providers, including sports betting and casino sites without a Danish license, since 2023. Since 2012, more than 270 blocks have been imposed [Source: Spillemyndigheden]. The authority actively seeks out new sites using automation and reports from the public, regularly initiating legal action. Providers are required to display the official license logo when operating legally [Source: Spillemyndigheden].
- Australia: The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) possesses extensive blocking powers and regularly publishes public lists of blocked providers. The authority requires cooperation from internet providers [Source: ACMA].
Celebrity Scandals Intensify Public Pressure
A series of scandals involving celebrities and professional athletes who were found indulging in online gambling, including comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo and several baseball players, significantly accelerated the discussion about the dangers of illegal online casinos [Source: Japan Today].
- With the rise of online casinos in Germany, the gambling industry continues to thrive as a significant aspect of their business landscape, intertwining with personal-finance and banking-and-insurance sectors.
- Cybersecurity becomes a crucial concern as the need to safeguard users' data and ensure regulatory compliance arises in response to the increase in online gambling activities.
- Integrating technology plays a vital role in the ongoing battle against online casinos, with the implementation of AI-based filter software like i-FILTER becoming a potential solution to block unlawful sites.
- As social-media platforms proliferate, there's an increased potential for online marketing, including advertising for online casinos. Regulation must adapt to address this new terrain to prevent the normalization of gambling culture in everyday lifestyles.
- Entertainment, particularly sports such as football, basketball, racing, golf, tennis, and mixed-martial-arts, is often closely associated with sports-betting, making it essential to curb the illegal online gambling associated with these sectors.
- Political discourse is heightened with the ongoing debate on the legal and moral implications of online gambling, impacting general-news discourse and policies surrounding crime-and-justice.
- Some argue that the ban on online casinos infringes on individual liberties, generating tension in conversations surrounding personal-freedom and autonomy.
- The sports world is watching Japan's regulations closely, as the outcomes may influence the strategies other nations adopt to combat unlicensed gambling within their own borders.
- Regular updates on weather conditions are crucial for those who place bets on sports, reflecting the interconnectedness of different domains and the pervasive nature of online gambling in modern society.
- As awareness of the issue grows, public pressure intensifies, with individuals demanding stricter regulations and support systems for those struggling with gambling addiction.
- The ongoing crackdown on illegal online casinos in Japan increasingly raises questions on the country's stance on wider technological advancements and their implications on personal freedoms and societal wellbeing.
