The Clampdown on Japan's Underground Online Casinos
Japanese Government to Implement Extensive Strategies for Cracking Down on Unlawful Online Gambling Sites
Japanese authorities are taking a firm stance against the proliferation of illegal online casinos, as the nation grapples with a surge in gambling addiction and related criminal activities. The Japanese daily newspaper, The Japan News, reported on the matter [Link in English].
At the end of April 2025, an expert committee from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications brainstormed potential solutions, including the possibility of blocking access to such sites. This move aims to prevent their nefarious influence. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is pushing for legislative reform to combat gambling addiction, with plans to legally restrict internet service providers from promoting these illegal casinos. Affiliate marketing directing users to gambling portals will also be banned, and credit card payments to certain providers will be blocked. Youth protection filter software is to be enhanced, too.
Millions Embrace Virtual Casinos, Alarming Experts
According to the National Police Agency, around 3.37 million people in Japan have indulged in online casinos, despite the ban. Their annual betting volume amounts to over 1.2 trillion JPY (approximately 7.6 billion EUR). Worryingly, younger individuals are the most affected, with many not even aware that their activities are unlawful. A survey cited by the magazine Sumikai revealed that 43.5% of respondents were oblivious to the ban; 46% admitted to incurring debts due to gambling [Link in English].
Alarmingly, over 60% of users recognized their addiction to gambling themselves. The easy accessibility of these casinos via smartphones accelerates their descent into addiction and makes it tough to escape. As Takanobu Matsuzaki, head of the psychiatric department of the National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, stated in The Japan Times, "They immerse themselves in [online casino 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."
Technological Solutions and Constitutional Concerns
Technological solutions like the AI-based filter software i-FILTER from software developer Digital Arts are poised to help relentlessly block gambling sites in the future. Although similar measures have previously only been enforceable for child pornographic content, the expert committee is currently studying whether this is feasible for online casinos. An interim report on the feasibility of these measures is anticipated by summer 2025.
The greatest hurdles revolve around constitutionally protected telecommunications secrecy, which forbids internet service providers from inspecting data traffic. Earlier blocking attempts have crumbled under this very issue. Discussions about alternative strategies such as voluntary blocks from foreign providers or strengthened international cooperation are underway.
Country Comparison: Curbing Illicit Online Gambling Worldwide
While Japan grapples with tightening its grip on illegal online gambling, several countries have already implemented far-reaching measures. A significant number have relied on targeted blocking and payment limitations for years.
An overview:- Germany: Since the new Gambling State Treaty 2021 took effect, German authorities actively block unlicensed providers using net locks (DNS blocking). Additionally, payment streams are interrupted - for instance, through cooperation with banks and payment service providers.- Austria: The Austrian gambling authority (GGL) employs IP and DNS blocking to obstruct unlicensed providers. The Administrative Court has already affirmed the legality of these blocks in 2019.- United Kingdom: The Gambling Commission partners with internet providers to block illegal sites via DNS blocking. Furthermore, affiliate marketing is monitored, and payment service providers must obstruct suspicious transactions.- Norway: Since 2024, internet providers are permitted to block DNS addresses of illegal gambling sites upon instruction from the Norwegian regulatory authority. Only state-licensed providers such as Norsk Tipping are permitted to operate. Moreover, information campaigns and fines against illegal operators are planned.- Denmark: In 2023, the Danish Gambling Authority Spillemyndigheden legally blocked 49 providers, including sports betting and casino sites without a Danish license. Since 2012, over 270 blocks have been enforced. The authority actively seeks new sites using automation and public reports and regularly initiates legal action. Providers must display the official license logo for legal operation.- Australia: The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) boasts extensive blocking powers. It frequently publishes public lists of blocked providers and demands cooperation from internet providers.
Celebrity Scandals Intensify Pressure
A spate of scandals involving celebrities and professional athletes, including comedians from the Yoshimoto Kogyo agency and several baseball players, fueled the current debate about the dangers of illegal online casinos.
Enrichment Data:
- The Japanese government is advancing legislative reforms and enforcement measures to combat illegal online gambling activities and address associated issues such as addiction and public ignorance of the law.
- Key measures under consideration are: a legislative ban on online casinos, restrictions on advertising and promotion, enforcement and penalties, public awareness campaigns, and expert consultation and site blocking.
- The scope of the problem: approximately 3.37 million people in Japan have taken part in online casinos, with an annual betting volume of over 1.2 trillion JPY (€7.6 billion).
- In spite of the ban, only government-sanctioned activities such as lotteries and betting on certain races are legal in Japan.
- The recent surge in high-profile cases involving athletes and celebrities engaging in illegal online gambling has intensified the push for stricter regulation.
- What's the current situation with illegal online casinos in Japan, according to The Japan News?
- When did the expert committee from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications meet to discuss potential solutions?
- What measures is the Liberal Democratic Party planning to implement to combat gambling addiction?
- What will be banned as part of the legislative reform against gambling addiction?
- What percentage of respondents were oblivious to the online casino ban, according to a survey in magazine Sumikai?
- What percentage of users acknowledged their addiction to online casino gambling?
- According to Takanobu Matsuzaki, how is online casino gambling different from video games that lead to quick addiction?
- What technological solution is being considered to help block gambling sites in the future?
- In what area have previous measures been unsuccessful due to constitutionally protected telecommunications secrecy?
- Which country has implemented far-reaching measures against unlicensed online gambling for years?
- How does Germany actively block unlicensed providers?
- What legal decision from the Administrative Court affirmed the legality of IP and DNS blocking in Austria?
- What partnership does the Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom have with internet providers to block illegal sites?
- Since when has Norway permitted internet providers to block DNS addresses of illegal gambling sites upon instruction?
- In what year did the Danish Gambling Authority block 49 providers, including sports betting and casino sites without a Danish license?
- What actions is the Australian Communications and Media Authority taking against illegal online gambling providers?
- Which famous Japanese individuals have been involved in scandals related to illegal online casinos?
- What is the scope of the problem in terms of public awareness, according to the National Police Agency's report?
