Japan updates laws against online casinos

Japan’s government has approved a legislative amendment, targeting the crackdown on online gambling.

Japan’s House of Councillors has passed a revision to the Basic Act on Measures against Gambling and Other Addiction, introducing strict rules against unauthorized online gambling.

The updated law bans sites or programs that enable illegal online gambling to users in Japan, also criminalizing sharing any information that encourages people to gamble.

While the law does not set out penalties, it establishes grounds for authorities to suppress promotion of online casino and gambling services. This includes promotion of online casinos or gambling operations, listing of casino apps in app stores, sharing casino app links in social media or ads, or any type of indirect promotion like inviting users to sign up or providing Japanese-language access to foreign gambling platforms. Operating a website that is ranking or recommending online casinos is prohibited as well.

Enforcement will rely heavily on content moderation. The Internet Hotline Centre with the National Police Agency can require taking down such content.

With gambling being illegal under the Criminal Code, even if the activity is carried out on foreign-licensed sites, the amended law declares that Japanese residents placing any bets on offshore sites is considered a criminal offense.

Legal gambling in Japan is limited to government-approved lotteries and pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, powerboat racing, keirin (bicycle racing), and motorcycle speedway. Casinos remain banned, with the exception of tightly regulated frameworks, such as the integrated resort casino currently being developed in Osaka by MGM Resorts.

Lilit Sarinyan Content Writer

With 3 years of experience in iGaming, I focus on producing content that helps readers make sense of developments across the sector. My work includes interviews with industry professionals, regional market analysis, affiliate industry developments, and detailed reviews. With a particular interest in how iGaming is evolving and where it’s headed next, my degree in English and Communication has shaped how I approach writing, especially when it comes to making complex topics easy to follow.

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