Japan’s Parliament has intensified action against overseas casinos, approving a bill to ban advertising of overseas online casinos to the country’s citizens.
Banner ads, affiliates and posts on social media will all be prohibited under the new legislation, which looks to provide a sweeping ban on advertisements or promotional content that directs Japanese users to overseas online casinos.
In addition, the establishment and operation of online casinos and related apps within Japan have also been outlawed.
Under Japanese law, it is a criminal offence to use overseas sites to bet from within the country. While the revised laws, which are expected to come into effect in three months, carry no specific criminal penalties, they will allow internet service providers and social media platforms to more proactively target and remove promotional content.
The new rules form part of the Japanese Government’s renewed focus on tackling gambling addiction in the country.
In March, The Japan Times reported that the country was set to introduce a new framework for its gambling sector, with a central focus on taking action against affiliates that promote gambling.
In recent months, Japan has also asked a number of governments to block access to online casino websites for its citizens.
Authorities within Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Malta, Anjouan Island, Curacao, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar were all contacted by Japanese officials.
Most forms of online gambling are outlawed in Japan, and regulated activity is restricted to lotteries and betting on horse racing, motorcycle racing and power boat racing.
Despite this, it is estimated that 3.37 million people in Japan have engaged with illegal online casino gambling, with total wagers estimated to be ¥1.2 trillion (£6.2m) annually.
Japan’s National Police Agency also identified a record number of online casino users in 2024, recording 279 players and dealers across the year.
Online casino users identified by authorities could face a potential fine of ¥500,000, while habitual gamblers could even face imprisonment of up to three years.
