Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) published a policy statement that the country aims to introduce a new tax measure, which would exempt non-resident players from paying...
Japan to Ban Online Gambling and Advertising with a New Bill
Japan aims to tighten regulations around online gambling and casino promotions with a new bill passed by the House of Representatives with support from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The bill now awaits review in the House of Councillors and is expected to be passed before the current parliamentary session ends on June 22.
The legislation, if passed, will ban the creation and promotion of online casinos. Previously posted content on websites or social media accounts should be removed.
Online casinos are unauthorized in Japan, and participation in such platforms within the country is illegal. The current law states that lawbreakers may face fines of up to ¥500,000, and habitual gamblers may be sentenced to up to 3 years in prison under the Penal Code.
The National Police Agency reported in March that 3.37 million people in Japan have gambled on online casino sites, with annual spending estimated at ¥1.24 trillion ($8.7 billion).
The bill extends to not only operators but also to promoters of illegal gambling platforms. Recent incidents with athletes and celebrities using online casinos have pressured the regulation of the online gambling space.
Legal forms of gambling remain limited to government-sanctioned activities such as lotteries, betting on horse, boat, bicycle, and motorcycle races.
On December 17, 2025, the Japan Tourism Agency announced that bidding for integrated resorts will be open between May and November 2027, as Hard Rock International plans to...
