Japan police to seek takedown of gambling-related content
Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) has announced that it will ask media platform operators to promptly remove online content that directs users to illegal gambling websites. Posts on social media, promotional videos, and other materials that advertise or guide people to online casino services will be classified as “illegal information” under a revised law aimed at curbing gambling addiction.
The updated law, which was passed during the recent session of the Diet, will come into effect on 25 September. It bans both the operation of online casinos that target Japanese users and the promotion of such services. This includes posts that recommend online casinos, share links, or rank gambling websites.
Police officials said that even if a website claims to be a “free version” or includes a message that the service is illegal in Japan, it could still be considered as encouraging gambling and will be marked for removal.
Online hotline centre to support enforcement
To support this effort, the National Police Agency has commissioned the Internet Hotline Center Japan to handle public reports regarding online gambling-related content. The centre already deals with harmful information such as child pornography and drug-related content, and will now include gambling promotions in its scope.
The centre will review reports and ask social media platforms and website operators to take down any posts that break the new rules. It will also carry out cyber patrols to find and report gambling content independently.
Police officials said they plan to revise the centre’s guidelines before the law takes effect and will invite public comments on the proposed changes. A senior police officer said, “We would like to make it known both in Japan and abroad that the operation of casino sites and advertisements will become illegal in Japan as a result of the enforcement of the revised law. We will persistently make repeated requests for removal.”
Survey shows millions using online casinos
According to a recent government survey, about 3.37 million people in Japan have visited online casino websites, and over 70 percent of them have placed bets using real money. Annual wagers are estimated at around ¥1.2 trillion ($7.5 billion).
Most of these websites operate legally in other countries, such as Malta, Curaçao, and the Isle of Man. However, under Japanese law, offering these services to users in Japan is illegal, even if the operator is licensed overseas.
As part of its enforcement strategy, Japan has asked authorities in eight countries and regions, including Canada, Georgia, Costa Rica, Malta, Gibraltar, Anjouan (Comoros), Curaçao, and the Isle of Man, to block access for Japanese users or stop operators from accepting bets from Japan.
Government panel discusses stronger blocking measures
Alongside the police crackdown, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is holding discussions on whether access to illegal gambling sites should be blocked entirely. A special panel of experts is reviewing the issue and released a summary of its early findings earlier this month.
The panel plans to complete a four-stage review by the end of the year. It will look at whether blocking is necessary and effective, how it would affect privacy, if new laws would be needed, and what steps would be required to carry it out legally.
Currently, forcibly blocking access would mean internet service providers would need to monitor which websites users visit, which raises privacy concerns. The panel noted that “implementing the blocking requires building circumstances in which the measure can be taken legally.”
Safer tools under review as alternatives to blocking
Due to legal concerns around blocking websites, the panel is also exploring other options. These include adding filters to smartphones and removing social media posts that promote online gambling. These tools are seen as easier to use because they do not involve tracking what individual users do online, which helps protect their privacy.
Experts believe these steps could help stop first-time users and young people from visiting illegal gambling sites. However, they also warn that any action taken should carefully balance public safety with respect for legal rights.
Concerns rise over youth betting and match-fixing
Authorities are worried that more young people are using foreign gambling websites. These sites let people bet on Japanese sports like baseball and football, which has raised concerns about match-fixing and the risk of unfair games.
The government panel warned that the presence of illegal gambling platforms “may threaten the healthy nature of sports by, for example, leading to the fixing of games and matches.” At the same time, rising levels of gambling addiction are adding pressure on the government to take stronger action.
Japan’s new strategy focuses on regulation and restriction
Japan is taking a tough stand against illegal online gambling by using both strict rules and strong enforcement. While many other countries only go after gambling operators, Japan also arrests people who place illegal bets online. This demonstrates the country’s serious commitment to addressing the problem.
As the revised law takes effect in September and the government continues to explore stronger tools, Japan is aiming to limit the reach of offshore gambling while creating a safer, more controlled environment for any legal gambling services in the country.
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