The rise of illegal gambling in Japan has authorities considering strict measures, such as blocking online casino sites. As the country prepares to open its first legal casino, the issue of gambling addiction remains a central concern.
Disturbing rise in illegal gambling
In 2024, Japanese police identified more than 160 people involved in illegal online gambling activities, a notable increase from previous years. Among them, celebrities and athletes were caught.
Fourteen members of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Organization, including players and staff from seven different teams, have admitted to participating in online casino activities. No betting on baseball games has been discovered, yet the revelations have raised ethical concerns about the integrity of professional sports.
Measures considered by the government
In response to this alarming situation, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is considering blocking access to illegally operating online casino sites. An expert forum is being prepared to assess the technical and financial feasibility of this measure.
The head of the ministry’s telecommunications affairs department said:
“We are preparing to set up a forum to review the issue. We want to move forward quickly so that we can begin considering the measure as soon as possible.”
Legal Framework for Gambling in Japan
Japan has strict gambling laws, allowing only certain forms of betting, such as horse racing, auto racing, boat racing, velodrome cycling, and government-supervised lotteries.
Online casino gambling, while legal in other jurisdictions, remains illegal in Japan. Violators face legal penalties, with a three-year statute of limitations.
Future plans and concerns
Japan has yet to open its first casino, but the government has already established a framework for integrated resorts, with the first set to open in Osaka in 2030.
Gambling addiction is already a major concern. One study found that 3.6% of Japanese people suffer from gambling addiction, a figure higher than in other countries studied, where the statistic ranges from 0.2% to 2.4%.