Japan’s House of Representatives has recently passed a bill that would ban the operation and promotion of online casinos within the country. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle the growing issue of gambling addiction. The bill has garnered substantial backing from the Liberal Democratic Party, while the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has opposed the legislation.
This bill now heads to the House of Councillors for further deliberation. If it passes, the new law will likely take effect soon, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to gambling regulation.
Impact on Gambling in Japan
According to a survey released earlier this year, approximately 3.37 million Japanese citizens have engaged in online gambling, spending 1.24 trillion yen (about $8.7 billion) annually on these activities. Despite this growing trend, online gambling remains illegal in Japan, even for sites legally operating overseas. This proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to reduce gambling-related harm and prevent further escalation of the issue.
The bill addresses multiple aspects of online gambling, including the operation of online casinos and the advertising of these sites. It also seeks to block links that direct users to online gambling platforms, further limiting access to these services. In addition, the bill includes provisions that require social media platforms to remove content related to illegal gambling.
Rising Gambling Addiction and Government Response
The government’s focus on gambling addiction comes in light of rising concerns. The Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction in Tokyo has reported an 11-fold increase in consultation requests over the past five years, from 8 in 2019 to 91 in 2024. These figures indicate a sharp rise in gambling-related issues, prompting lawmakers to take swift action.
The bill was initially introduced in mid-May following discussions between several political parties and parliamentary groups. It aims to curb the accessibility of gambling websites, which have become increasingly prevalent across social media and digital platforms. Athletes and celebrities have also been linked to online gambling activity, which has led to greater public scrutiny.
Legal Implications and Penalties
Should the bill pass in the House of Councillors, those found accessing illegal online casino sites could face hefty fines of up to 500,000 yen. Repeat offenders or habitual gamblers may even face up to three years in prison under Japan’s Penal Code. This harsh stance highlights Japan’s growing concern over gambling’s impact on society.
While online gambling is currently illegal, lotteries and betting on certain public races, such as horse and motorcycle racing, are permitted under Japan’s existing laws. The government has continually expressed a desire to regulate online gambling in a way that protects citizens from potential harm while still allowing regulated forms of entertainment.
Further Efforts to Tackle Gambling Harm
In addition to the ban on online casinos, the government’s legislative push is also informed by recent findings. For instance, police surveys have shown a rise in the number of people using online casinos, with figures reaching an estimated 3.37 million individuals involved in these activities.
The bill also includes measures aimed at preventing the promotion of gambling on social media. It urges social media platforms to remove illegal gambling-related content, ensuring that gambling opportunities cannot easily spread through these networks.
Source:
Japan lower house OKs bill to crack down on illegal online gambling, mainichi.jp, June 3, 2025
