The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry (MIC) in Japan is actively considering measures to block access to online casinos, following an alarming rise in online gambling activities, local media has reported. This decision comes as a response to the growing number of cases involving individuals, including public figures, who have engaged in online gambling despite it being illegal in Japan.
The Ministry has acknowledged the need for action and intends to discuss these measures in a forum with experts to explore the technical and financial implications. The chief of the ministry’s Telecommunications Business Department said: “We are preparing to set up a forum to consider the matter. We want to move everything forward so that we can start considering the measure as soon as possible.”
In Japan, gambling on online casino sites is prohibited, even though these platforms are operated legally overseas. However, the police uncovered more than 160 cases of individuals using these online casinos last year, which marks a threefold increase from the previous year. These numbers signal a troubling trend, one that has caught the attention of both authorities and the public.
High-profile cases unveiled
Several high-profile cases involving celebrities and athletes have further highlighted the growing social issue of online gambling. In a recent case, The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Organisation has announced that 14 individuals, including players and team staff members from seven different teams, have admitted to online casino gambling. This revelation follows an internal investigation initiated by the NPB to uphold Japan’s stringent gambling regulations. Although there was no evidence that they had wagered on baseball games, the occurrence raises concerns about ethical practices and the reputation of professional sport.
Gambling laws in Japan are stringent, with limited exceptions such as horse racing, bicycle racing, and government-sanctioned lotteries. Japan has five legal forms of gambling, which are horse racing, auto racing, boat racing, velodrome cycling and the lottery.
The country does not have a casino yet, whereas it has passed a framework for approving “integrated resorts,” with the first set to open in Osaka in 2030. Unauthorised gambling, including online casino betting, is considered illegal. The three-year statute of limitations applies, meaning that authorities can pursue legal action within this period.
The NPB conducted a comprehensive investigation among its 12 professional leagues to identify any staff engaged in online gambling. The NPB gathered information by interrogating all staff from its member clubs, including players, managers, coaches, and support staff. The 14 staff members admitted to participating in gambling after February 2022. The organisation did not reveal the names of the staff, or the teams involved but left it to individual teams to take disciplinary actions accordingly.
