Japanese Government Plans Broad Actions Against Unlawful Online Gambling Establishments
Wave After Wave of Gambling: The Japanese Government Throws a Poker-Faced Block on Online CasinosDespite the ban, over 3.3 million Japanese continue their rollercoaster ride with online casinosPlans for stricter measures and legislation loom
Drowning in the Red Sea of GamblingIn the face of a growing tide of gambling addicts and shady dealings associated with online gambling, the Japanese government is considering tough measures against online casinos, as reported by The Japan News and other sources.
Block the Wave, Save the Casino?At the end of April 2025, a high-stakes expert panel convened by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications brainstormed the possibility of blocking such sites, preventing access to illegal online casinos. This move would be similar to the one taken for child pornographic content.
No More High-Rollers for the LDPThe ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is eyeing a revamp of the central anti-gambling law, aiming to legally oblige internet service providers to steer clear of advertising illegal online casinos and affiliated sites. Additionally, credit card payments to certain providers would be blocked, while youth protection filter software would be strengthened.
Casinos and ConnectionsAccording to the National Police Agency, approximately 3.37 million people in Japan have played in online casinos despite the ban, with an annual betting volume of over 1.2 trillion JPY (around 7.6 billion EUR). Younger folks are particularly hooked on this illicit activity, with many unaware of its illegality. As many as 43.5% of respondents in a survey featured in Sumikai did not know that online casinos are outlawed in Japan, and 46% of those interviewed stated they had racked up debts due to gambling.
The Slippery Slope of AddictionIt's alarming that over 60% of online casino users have admitted to their addiction. The convenience of gambling on smartphones accelerates the descent into problematic gambling and makes it challenging to get out. "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," explains Takanobu Matsuzaki, Head of the Psychiatric Department of the National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, as reported in The Japan Times.
Constitutional Quandary: Mind Your Own BusinessTechnological solutions like the AI-based filter software i-FILTER, developed by software developer Digital Arts, are set to assist in blocking access to gambling sites in the future. This measure, so far only legally enforceable for child pornographic content, is currently under discussion by the expert panel. Summer 2025 is expected to see an interim report on the feasibility of these measures. The biggest stumbling block lies in the constitutionally protected telecommunications secrecy, which inhibits internet service providers from monitoring data traffic. This has caused previous blocking attempts to falter. There are also conversations about alternative measures such as voluntary blocking by foreign providers or strengthened international cooperation.
Teaming Up Across BordersWhile Japan wrestles with the technicalities of blocking illegal online casinos, other countries have already implemented far-reaching measures. Among these are targeted blocking, restrictions on payments, and advertising bans.
- Germany: The new Gambling State Treaty 2021 enforces systematic blocking of unlicensed providers using network barriers (DNS blocking). Furthermore, payment streams are blocked through cooperation with banks and payment service providers.
- Austria: The Austrian gambling authority (GGL) utilizes IP and DNS blocking to block unlicensed providers, with the Administrative Court confirming the legality of these blocks in 2019.
- United Kingdom: The Gambling Commission teams up with internet providers to block illegal sites via DNS blocking. Additionally, affiliate marketing is monitored, and payment service providers are instructed to block suspicious transactions.
- Norway: Since 2024, internet providers can, upon instruction from the Norwegian regulatory authority, block DNS addresses of illegal gambling sites. Only state-licensed providers like Norsk Tipping are allowed to operate. Further information campaigns and fines against illegal operators are planned.
- Denmark: The Danish Gambling Authority Spillemyndigheden ordered 49 illegal providers, including sports betting and casino sites without a Danish license, blocked by court order in 2023. Since 2012, over 270 blocks have been imposed. The authority actively searches for new sites using automation and reports from the public before initiating legal action. Operators must display the official license logo for legal operation.
- Australia: The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) holds extensive blocking powers, regularly publishing public lists of blocked providers and requiring cooperation from internet providers.
Red Flags and ScandalsThe impetus for the current debate about the hazards of illegal online casinos was a series of scandals involving celebrities and professional athletes, such as comedians from the agency Yoshimoto Kogyo and several baseball players, who were caught indulging in online gambling.
Sources:- The Japan News (English version available)- Sumikai (Japanese version only)
- In an effort to combat the rising issue of online gambling, the Japanese government is considering implementing measures similar to those in Germany, where unlicensed providers are systematically blocked using network barriers (DNS blocking) and payment streams are also blocked.
- The German approach, as explained by The Japan News, also includes cooperation with banks and payment service providers to limit financial transactions with illegal online casinos.
- Meanwhile, Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians and several professional athletes have been caught engaging in online gambling, potentially igniting the current debate on the dangers of such activities in Japan.
