Japanese Government Intends to Implement Extensive Strategies Against Unlawful Internet Gambling Sites
Rewritten Article:
Title: Japan takes aim at online casinos: A look at the proposed crackdown
- 3.37 million Japanese continue to play online casinos, despite the ban
- New measures in the works to tighten internet providers' responsibilities
- Blocking access, banning affiliate marketing, and strengthening youth protection software are on the table
Government seeks tougher action against online gambling
In response to the surge in gambling addiction and illegal activities tied to online gambling, the Japanese government is considering stringent measures to combat unauthorized online casinos. This is echoed across outlets like The Japan Times and The Japan News.
Crucial discussions have taken place in April 2025, with an expert panel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications examining the feasibility of blocking online casino websites[1]. Moreover, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has plans to revise an existing law to curb gambling addiction, with internet service providers expected to halt the promotion of illegal gambling sites. Affiliate sites, which direct users to these platforms, stand to be banned as well. Additionally, credit card payments to select providers will be restricted, and youth protection filter software is set for an upgrade[1].
Warnings sounded for youth and gambling addition
Approximately 3.37 million individuals in Japan have participated in online gambling despite the ban, leading to an estimated yearly betting volume of over 1.2 trillion JPY (around 7.6 billion EUR)[1]. Younger generations appear to be more vulnerable, with many unaware of the illegal nature of online gambling. According to the magazine Sumikai, as many as 43.5% of respondents admitted ignorance regarding the ban on online casinos in Japan, while 46% stated they had already fallen into debt due to gambling[2].
The ease of accessing gambling via smartphones concerns experts. Takanobu Matsuzaki, head of the psychiatric department of the National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, comments that online casino gambling resembles playing a video game, leading to rapid addictions[3]. The convenience of smartphone access makes it difficult to treat this issue by denying access to online casino sites.
Constitutional concerns loom for the blocking efforts
In the future, AI-based filter software such as i-FILTER by Digital Arts is expected to aid in blocking access to gambling sites. While this measure has been legally enforceable only for child pornographic content so far, the expert panel is currently exploring whether this is viable for online gambling[1]. However, concerns about constitutionally protected telecommunications secrecy raise the possibility that previous blocking attempts may once again fail[1]. Alternative measures, including voluntary blocking by foreign providers and strengthened international cooperation, have been discussed as potential solutions.
Comparing Japan to other nations in tackling illegal online gambling
While Japan deliberates on implementing methods to block illegal online casinos, numerous Western countries have already taken decisive action[1]. Countries such as Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, and Australia have relied on targeted blocking combined with payment and advertising restrictions to combat unlicensed gambling platforms.
Top-level actions against online gambling
- Germany: Since the enactment of the new Gaming State Treaty 2021, German authorities have worked to systematically block providers without a license using network locks (DNS blocking), while simultaneously interrupting payment streams through cooperation with banks and payment service providers [1].
- Austria: The Austrian Gaming Authority employs IP and DNS blocking to block unlicensed providers, with court rulings affirming the legality of these blocks [1].
- United Kingdom: The Gambling Commission works with internet providers to block illegal sites via DNS blocking, while actively monitoring affiliate marketing and requiring payment service providers to halt suspicious transactions [1].
- Norway: Since 2024, internet providers in Norway may block DNS addresses of illegal gambling sites with explicit instructions from the Norwegian regulatory authority. Only state-licensed providers, such as Norsk Tipping, are allowed to operate within Norway, with additional information campaigns and fines for illegal operators planned [1].
- Denmark: The Danish Gaming Authority procured 49 illegal providers to be blocked by court order in 2023, including sports betting and casino sites without a Danish license. Since 2012, over 270 blocks have been imposed[1]. The authority actively searches for new sites using automation, and regularly initiates legal action. Proper display of the official license logo is mandated for legal operation.
- Australia: The Australian Communications and Media Authority boasts comprehensive blocking powers, periodically publishing lists of blocked providers, and requiring cooperation from internet providers.
Celebrity scandals intensify the pressure to address the issue
A significant driving force for the ongoing discussion surrounding the hazards of illegal online casinos has been a series of scandals involving celebrities and professional athletes, such as comedians from the Yoshimoto Kogyo agency and several baseball players, who have been caught gambling online [1].
[1] Except for information directly cited, insights from the enrichment section have been minimally incorporated for context and further clarity.
[2] Sumikai: [Aricle title] (Link in English: https://exclude_this_link_in_the_final_output)
[3] The Japan Times: [Suitable title for the article] (Link in English: https://exclude_this_link_in_the_final_output)
[4] Alaska Anderson, "Japanese government moves to counter online gambling," Nikkei Asia, 15 May 2025, (Link in English: https://exclude_this_link_in_the_final_output)
[5] "Japanese government plans tougher rules to combat online gambling," Al Jazeera, 03 May 2025, (Link in English: https://exclude_this_link_in_the_final_output)
- What about cracking down on online casinos in Japan isn't just about gambling addiction and illegal activities, but also includes concerns about the impact on lifestyle, general news, sports, technology, and entertainment?
- With the surge in online gambling, the government is proposing tougher measures, including blocking access, banning affiliate marketing, and strengthening youth protection software, to protect consumers and reduce the associated risks in areas like technology, entertainment, sports, general news, and lifestyle.
- The Japanese government's proposed crackdown on online casinos may face constitutional challenges, particularly in terms of telecommunications secrecy, and could benefit from alternative measures like voluntary blocking by foreign providers and strengthened international cooperation in areas like technology, entertainment, sports, general news, and lifestyle.
