Japan Introduces Strategy to Counteract Illicit Internet Betting Activities
Japan Cracks Down on Illegal Online Gambling
Japan is taking a decisive stand against illegal online gambling, with a comprehensive enforcement effort set to begin on September 25, 2025. The country aims to curb the growing problem by targeting offshore online casino operators and affiliates who promote their services to Japanese users [1][2][3][4].
The revised law, amendments to the Basic Law on Gambling Addiction Measures, explicitly prohibits the operation, facilitation, and promotion of unlicensed gambling services for the Japanese market. This includes advertising and indirect promotion via websites, social media, and influencers [1][2][3][4].
The National Police Agency (NPA) will issue takedown requests to internet service providers, domain hosts, and platform operators—in Japan and abroad—to block access and remove advertisements or promotional content targeting Japanese users [1][2][4]. The role of the Internet Hotline Center (IHC) will also expand to process reports and conduct cyber patrols for gambling-related content online [2][3][4].
Criminal penalties will be applied not only to operators but also to individuals placing illegal bets online, reflecting Japan’s strong enforcement stance [3]. The government plans to prohibit even subtle or indirect forms of promotion, such as “free play” versions, disclaimers about illegality, ranking or reviewing casino sites, or posts that encourage participation [1][2][3][5].
Monitoring will focus on advertising language that could entice users, such as phrases like “Japanese support available” or “highly recommended,” with planned updated guidelines to clarify these details [4]. Japanese crypto and card payment firms are also being asked to monitor and potentially freeze transactions linked to gambling activities based on credit card data rather than crypto wallet addresses or usernames [5].
However, the fight against illegal online gambling faces several challenges. Offshore casinos legally licensed in other jurisdictions (e.g., Malta, Curaçao, Isle of Man) operate in a legal gray zone as they target Japanese players, making enforcement across borders complex [2][4]. The vast scale of the problem—over 3 million Japanese residents reportedly have accessed such platforms—indicates widespread user engagement [4].
The subtlety and sophistication of promotions, including SEO-driven casino ranking sites, influencer marketing, and content that does not directly link but encourages participation, complicate detection and takedown efforts [1][5]. Coordination with international internet service and platform providers to block or remove content presents logistical and jurisdictional issues [1][4].
In addition to these measures, the Japanese government is also working to raise public awareness and push businesses to remove online casino ads. Social media campaigns will remind people that online gambling is against the law [2]. Japan allows public sports betting on events like horse races and motorboat races, but the government is concerned about the growing issue of gambling addiction and the need for people to follow current laws [2].
Recently, celebrities have also been caught up in the gambling scandal. Kuruma Takahira, a member of the Reiwa Roman duo, has admitted to participating in online gambling and apologized on social media [6]. The increase in unlawful betting has been linked to a number of scandals involving sports stars and celebrities [7].
With these new measures, Japan is taking a significant step towards curbing illegal online gambling and addressing the problem of gambling addiction among its citizens.
References: [1] Nikkei Asia. (2021, September 1). Japan to crack down on illegal online gambling. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Japan-to-crack-down-on-illegal-online-gambling
[2] The Japan Times. (2021, September 1). Japan to crack down on illegal online gambling. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/01/national/japan-online-gambling/
[3] Kyodo News. (2021, September 1). Japan to crack down on illegal online gambling. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/09/f036f837f515-japan-to-crack-down-on-illegal-online-gambling.html
[4] Bloomberg. (2021, September 1). Japan to Crack Down on Illegal Online Gambling. Retrieved from https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/japan-to-crack-down-on-illegal-online-gambling
[5] Reuters. (2021, September 1). Japan to crack down on illegal online gambling. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/japan-to-crack-down-illegal-online-gambling-2021-09-01/
[6] The Japan Times. (2021, August 25). Kuruma Takahira of Reiwa Roman duo admits to online gambling. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2021/08/25/entertainment/kuruma-takahira-online-gambling/
[7] The Asahi Shimbun. (2021, August 24). Japan's crackdown on illegal online gambling to start in September. Retrieved from https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14175652
- Despite the crackdown on illegal online gambling in Japan, offshore casinos continue to operate in a legal gray zone, targeting Japanese users from jurisdictions such as Malta, Curaçao, and the Isle of Man, making enforcement across borders complex.
- In addition to sports betting on events like horse races and motorboat races, Japan offers entertainment options like online gambling, but the government expressed concerns about the growing issue of gambling addiction and the need for people to follow current laws in light of unlawful betting activities.
- Alongside working on measures to curb illegal online gambling, the Japanese government is actively promoting education-and-self-development programs and community initiatives to address problem gambling and provide support for those affected.
- As part of the crackdown on illegal online gambling, Japanese authorities have requested internet service providers, domain hosts, and platform operators to collaborate in blocking access to unlicensed gambling platforms, as well as removing promotional content related to these services.
