Japan has officially implemented new regulations targeting online gambling, prohibiting the introduction of new online casinos and imposing significant restrictions on advertisements.
These measures form part of an updated law aimed at addressing gambling addiction, particularly among young individuals.
The law, effective from September 25, mandates that social media companies and website operators remove gambling advertisements when requested by government authorities. Additionally, both national and local governments are required to enhance awareness campaigns regarding the illegal nature of online gambling.
Noriko Tanaka, the leader of the Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction, emphasized the societal significance of the law by referencing statistics related to suicides linked to gambling. «The official figures released by the National Police Agency and the health ministry report 398 deaths attributed to gambling debts. However, it is estimated that only 20 percent of suicides have their causes fully understood,» she explained.
Tanaka also pointed out that gambling promotions are readily available on platforms such as YouTube and even within banking applications.
Japanese authorities intensify regulations as billions are wagered
This crackdown follows a notable increase in online gambling activities. A survey conducted by the National Police Agency revealed that approximately 60 percent of Japan’s 3.37 million online gamblers are in their 20s and 30s, with an estimated yearly wagering of ¥1.24 trillion ($8.4 billion).
Recent controversies have heightened the need for reform. Earlier this year, six comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo and a member of the pop band JO1 faced prosecution for their involvement in illegal online gambling activities.
Law enforcement has already started to enforce the new regulations. Two individuals, including an executive from an Osaka company, were arrested for operating a website named Onkaji Hissho that promoted foreign casinos.
Authorities indicated that the website operators received commissions from a platform based in Curacao, with approximately 670 users transferring around ¥70 billion in cryptocurrency to engage in games like slots and blackjack.
The website also offered «winning strategy» tutorials and charged users ¥10,000 for access to exclusive tips on Discord. Officials remarked that the operators deceived users by claiming that both they and the gamblers would benefit, regardless of the game outcomes.
With the revised legislation now in effect, Japan has expressed a firm stance against the promotion of digital gambling, directing its focus not only on operators but also on individuals profiting from the advertisement of illegal services.
