On 1 July, the premises of the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) in Paris were the scene of a rare but highly significant diplomatic meeting. A Japanese delegation, made up of members of the Japanese government and researchers from WIP Japan Corp. travelled to France for a series of in-depth discussions on the regulation of gambling and the prevention of excessive gambling.
The Japanese delegation included leading members of the government’s Cabinet Secretariat Kentaro Kishimoto and Takashi Kinoshita, as well as renowned researchers from WIP Japan Corp, Takashi Sakai, Shuji Hirasawa and Keiji Takagi. Thanks to translator Maki Nakazato, the discussions took place in a fluid and productive atmosphere.
Gambling addiction: a global issue
What role should governments play in tackling gambling addiction? How can we better regulate a sector that is constantly evolving, particularly in the digital age? These questions were at the heart of discussions between representatives of the two countries.
In recent years, France has developed a specific regulatory arsenal, strengthening the obligations of online gambling operators and stepping up awareness-raising campaigns. Japan, meanwhile, is currently looking at the tools it needs to deal with the gradual rise in problem gambling, particularly since the opening of the first integrated casinos.
More humane and effective regulation
Beyond the technical tools and figures, it was an ethical and responsible vision of gambling that was shared. The meeting did not result in any formal agreements, but it did lay the foundations for a lasting future collaboration. Both parties expressed their desire to maintain an open dialogue and to increase the number of opportunities for consultation.
Towards an international alliance for responsible gambling
At a time when online gambling is exploding and borders are blurring, isolated regulation seems less and less effective. By welcoming this Japanese delegation, the ANJ is sending out a strong signal: the fight against excessive gambling must go beyond national boundaries.This initiative is part of a global dynamic that the ANJ wants to promote on a European and even global scale. And while this Franco-Japanese meeting is only a first step, it already illustrates what listening, mutual respect and the sharing of best practices can produce: fairer, more humane and, above all, more effective regulation.