Japan Moves to Ban Online Casino Sites

In the last few months, Japan, the country with an estimated 3.4 million gamblers, has increased its efforts to put a stop to illegal online casinos by implementing tougher legislation.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives further proved its determination to completely clamp down on illegal online gambling after it passed a bill that specifically targets websites promoting or linking users to online casino platforms.

The Lower House passed the bill by a majority vote with help from backing from both the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

New Law Prohibits the Launch of Casino Sites

The move comes amid growing concern over the rise in unauthorized virtual gambling, particularly following a series of high-profile reports of athletes and celebrities who got caught up in the trend. 

A government-backed survey by the National Police Agency in March estimated that more than 3.3 million people in Japan have participated in online casino gambling, despite its legal status, and that around ¥1.24 trillion ($8.7 billion) is spent annually on such sites.

While online casinos may be legitimate in other countries, they are not permitted under Japanese law. 

However, the fact that they can be easily accessed online via smartphones has quickly turned them into the go-to choice for a large number of players looking for ways to go around local restrictions.

The revised legislation approved by Lower House reps amends the current law aimed at tackling gambling addiction while introducing a series of new rules to forbid the promotion as well as facilitation of these platforms. 

The new bill does not allow the launch of casino websites while also criminalizing any form of online communication that would encourage users to visit them. The list includes all types of ads and posts promoting these platforms.

The bill also places pressure on social media companies and online platform providers, urging them to remove illegal content that could serve as gateways to gambling activity.

Fines and Prison Time on the Line 

According to the Japanese Penal Code, individuals who are caught betting on online casinos from within the country face fines of up to ¥500,000 ($3,500). 

At the same time, repeat offenders could even see jail time, with penalties of up to three years in prison under the same code.

Currently, legal gambling in the country is strictly limited to lotteries run by the state and some forms of race betting, including betting on horses, bicycles, boats, and motorcycles.The bill is expected to pass the Upper House before the current parliamentary session comes to an end on June 22.