Panel backs framework on blocking iGaming sites in Japan
A government expert panel in Japan has approved a draft framework that will block access to illegal online casinos.
According to local media reports, the proposal, developed by the country’s Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, marks a shift towards more forceful intervention, although ministers have yet to make a final decision.
The draft report endorses the idea that blocking access to overseas gambling platforms could help reduce harm, particularly among younger users. At the same time, it highlights legal and constitutional concerns, indicating that the measure would be considered only after other countermeasures have been fully assessed.
Experts warn of risks to young users
Support for stronger enforcement was evident among panel members, many of whom described illegal operators as predatory and difficult to regulate with existing tools.
“These [illegal casino] organisations are truly malicious. Young people can easily fall prey to them, so I strongly hope they will be blocked,” Noriko Tanaka, a panel member and head of the Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction, said as reported by The Japan News.
Other experts echoed that view, arguing that blocking access may be necessary if current efforts fail to limit exposure. The report itself states that conditions for introducing such a measure may already be in place, particularly given the scale of online access and the persistence of unlicensed platforms.
Website blocking would require internet service providers to restrict access to specific domains identified as illegal.
Privacy concerns remain central
Despite growing support, the panel stopped short of recommending immediate implementation. A key issue is the potential impact on the secrecy of communications, a right protected under Japan’s Constitution and related laws.
Blocking systems would require telecommunications providers to monitor the destinations of users’ internet traffic. While this does not necessarily involve inspecting content, it raises concerns about surveillance and the erosion of privacy safeguards.
According to local media reports, experts stressed that such risks must be carefully weighed. The report suggests that website blocking should be treated as a last resort, to be deployed only if other methods fail to produce meaningful results.
“Blocking websites is the final button to be pressed within the overall effort to eliminate harm caused by online casinos,”Joji Shishido, a University of Tokyo professor specialising in constitutional law, said as quoted by The Japan News. “If the measure is to be implemented, the government needs to take a much more serious approach to building the necessary system.”
Current measures under review
Japan has already taken several steps to tackle illegal online gambling without resorting to blocking. These steps include making it unlawful for social media posts to direct users to casino sites and requesting foreign jurisdictions hosting such platforms to restrict access from Japan.
According to the draft report, these combined public and private sector efforts have shown “a certain degree of effectiveness.” However, evidence suggests that access to overseas casino sites remains widespread.
Blask figures point to cooling demand
Data from market intelligence platform Blask suggests that interest in online gambling within Japan may already be declining, even without the introduction of website blocking.
According to Blask’s aggregated index of user intent, activity fell steadily through most of 2025. The index dropped from 961,500 in April 2025 to 665,500 by October, before a brief recovery towards the end of the year. In early 2026, the downward trend resumed, reaching 592,600 in February before a modest rebound to 637,300 in March.
A similar pattern is visible in estimated market revenue. Monthly figures fell from $382.3 million in April 2025 to $290.3 million by December, and then to around $266 million in early 2026.
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