Japan’s government has approved a legislative amendment aimed at stamping out online gambling activities in the country.
The revision of the Basic Act on Measures against Gambling and Other Addiction was passed by the House of Councillors, the Japanese government’s upper house, this week.
The reforms, as reported by local media, explicitly prohibit the act of offering websites or programmes that facilitate unauthorised online gambling to individuals in Japan.
The amended law also criminalises the dissemination of information that could encourage or lead users to participate in such gambling activities.
While not specifying direct penalties for violations, the update provides a clear legal basis to suppress content that promotes online casinos and gambling services.
Examples of prohibited conduct under the new law include operating or launching online casino platforms, listing online casino applications in app stores, and publishing or sharing links to these sites on social media or through advertisements.
Even indirect promotion, such as inviting users to register for a specific online casino or providing Japanese-language access to foreign gambling platforms, is banned under the bill.
Additionally, the legislation outlaws the creation and operation of aggregator websites that introduce or rank online casinos, offering content such as “Top 10 Recommended Online Casinos.”
Despite the absence of criminal sanctions, the government anticipates a deterrent effect through increased content moderation.
This will be facilitated by the Internet Hotline Centre, an organisation under contract with the National Police Agency, which is now empowered to request telecommunications companies and related entities to remove related content.
The Japanese government emphasises that gambling remains illegal under its Criminal Code, even when conducted on platforms that are legally licensed and operated overseas.
The revised law reinforces this by stating that any bets placed through such platforms by residents of Japan constitute a criminal offence.
Japan seeks assistance in enforcement
To bolster enforcement and prevent cross-border access to these services, Japan has formally requested cooperation from eight foreign jurisdictions known to license and regulate online casino operations.
Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reports that these jurisdictions include Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Malta, Curacao, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, and Anjouan.
All are recognised for their established online gaming industries and licensing regimes.
Japan has reportedly asked these governments and territories to block access for its residents to licensed online gambling websites.
In support of these legal efforts, the revised legislation also mandates national and local governments to implement broad-based educational and awareness programs.
These initiatives are required to inform the public about the dangers and legal status of online gambling, with targeted campaigns to be conducted in schools, workplaces, communities, and households.
Japan’s legal gambling industry remains limited to state-sanctioned activities such as lotteries and parimutuel betting on approved racing events, including horse racing, powerboat racing, keirin (bicycle racing), and motorcycle speedway events.
Other forms of gambling, including casino-style gaming, will remain strictly prohibited unless conducted within tightly regulated domestic frameworks, such as the integrated resort casino currently under development in Osaka by MGM Resorts.
Share
AloJapan.com