Fresh Off the Press: Japan's Crackdown on Online Gambling
Japan's Anti-Gambling Crusade Gathers Momentum
Giappone intraprende azioni contro i casinò illegali
In response to a sharp increase in cases of gambling addiction and illegal activities, the Japanese government is considering stringent measures to eradicate online casinos. This news is widely reported across various media outlets, such as The Japan News [Link in English].
At the end of April 2025, a panel of experts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications convened to consider the feasibility of blocking these illegal platforms – a step aimed at preventing access to such sites.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) also has ambitious plans to revise a central law designed to combat gambling addiction. They intend to enforce legal restrictions on internet service providers, prohibiting them from promoting unlawful online casinos. Moreover, affiliate sites that actively direct users towards gambling portals are to be banned, and credit card payments to specific providers are to be restricted. Additionally, youth protection filter software is slated to receive a boost in strength.
3.37 Million Gamblers Despite Ban – Alarming Experts
The Japan Times[2]
According to data provided by the National Police Agency, an estimated 3.37 million individuals in Japan have engaged with online casinos, defying the ban – the annual betting volume swelling to a staggering 1.2 trillion JPY (approximately 7.6 billion EUR).
An alarming trend has emerged, with youths predominantly falling prey to this illegal activity. Many are blissfully unaware that their participation in online gambling is indeed illegal. A survey by the magazine Sumikai [Link in English] claims that a staggering 43.5% of respondents were unfamiliar with the ban on online gambling in Japan, and an equally disheartening 46% of the affected admitting to incurring debts due to gambling.
Furthermore, experts find it disquieting that more than 60% of the users have acknowledged their addiction themselves. The ease of access to gambling via smartphones accelerates the descent into addiction while simultaneously making it more challenging to break free.
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, quickly becoming addicted. Since access to online casino websites is easily possible via smartphones, it is difficult to treat them by denying access."
The Japan News[3]
Constitutional Hurdles and AI-Powered Solutions
Technological solutions, like the AI-driven filter software i-FILTER developed by Digital Arts, will play a significant role in blocking access to gambling sites in the future. While similar measures have so far only been legally enforceable for child pornographic content, the expert panel is currently assessing whether this applies to online casinos as well. A preliminary report on the feasibility of these measures is expected by summer 2025.
The most pressing challenges stem from telecommunications secrecy, a constitutionally protected aspect prohibiting internet providers from inspecting data traffic. Previous attempts at blocking have faltered precisely at this juncture. Consequently, there are discussions regarding alternative measures, such as voluntary blocking by foreign providers or enhanced international cooperation.
Country Comparisons: Mastering Illicit Online Gambling
While Japan is still debating the blocking of illicit online casinos, other countries have already implemented far-reaching measures. Many Western states have long relied on targeted blocking in conjunction with payment and advertising restrictions.
Sumikai[4]
A summary of how select countries approach the issue:
- Germany: Since the introduction of the revised Gambling State Treaty in 2021, German authorities have systematically blocked unlicensed providers, employing network blocking (DNS blocking). Furthermore, payment streams are disrupted through collaboration with banks and payment service providers.
- Austria: The Austrian gambling authority uses IP and DNS blocking to obstruct unlicensed providers. The Administrative Court confirmed the legality of these blocks in 2019.
- 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 must block suspicious transactions.
- Norway: Since 2024, internet providers can block DNS addresses of illicit gambling sites at the behest of the Norwegian regulatory authority. Only state-licensed providers like Norsk Tipping are allowed to operate. In addition, informational campaigns and fines against illicit operators are planned.
- Denmark: The Danish Gambling Authority Spillemyndigheden had 49 illegal providers legally blocked in 2023, including sports betting and casino sites without a Danish license. Since 2012, over 270 blocks have been imposed. The authority actively scours for new sites, leveraging automation and public reports, and regularly initiates legal action. Providers are required to display the official license logo for legal operation.
- Australia: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has comprehensive blocking powers. It frequently publishes public lists of blocked providers and demands compliance from internet providers.
Scandals Intensify Pressure
A series of scandals involving celebrities and professional athletes who were caught gambling online, including comedians from the Yoshimoto Kogyo agency and several baseball players, have significantly stirred up the debate regarding the perils of illicit online casinos.
[1] The Japan Times[2] The Japan News[3] Sumikai[4] Nikkei Asia
Nikkei Asia
Il Partito Democratico Liberale ha espresso la sua posizione sulle politiche e le leggi relative ai casinò e alle scommesse in Giappone, alla luce dell'aumento dei casi di dipendenza dal gioco e delle attività illecite. Il partito intende rivedere una legge centrale per introdurre restrizioni legali sui fornitori di servizi internet, vietando loro di promuovere casinò online illegali, bloccando i siti affiliati che indirizzano gli utenti verso portali di scommesse, limitando i pagamenti con carte di credito a fornitori specifici e rafforzando i software di filtro per la protezione dei minori.Mentre il Giappone dibatte il blocco dei casinò online illeciti, paesi come Germania, Austria, Regno Unito, Norvegia, Danimarca e Australia hanno già implementato misure estese, come il blocco della rete, le restrizioni sui pagamenti e il monitoraggio del marketing degli affiliati. Ad esempio, in Danimarca, l'Autorità per il Gioco d'Azzardo ha bloccato 49 fornitori illegali nel 2023, mentre in Australia, l'Autorità per le Comunicazioni e i Media pubblica frequentemente elenchi pubblici di fornitori bloccati.
