Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) is set to take stronger action against overseas online casinos targeting Japanese users. This is part of new enforcement measures tied to a revised gambling addiction law taking effect on September 25.
New Law Targets Ads and Access
The revised legislation, passed in June, expands the scope of what is considered illegal gambling activity. It now explicitly prohibits operating or facilitating access to casino sites aimed at Japan. Additionally, it prohibits promoting or advertising them.
Under the new rules, the NPA will ask foreign and domestic platforms to block access to such sites. They will also need to remove promotional content, including ads, videos, or language that targets Japanese audiences.
Authorities will pay close attention to sites using phrases like “Japanese support available” or “highly recommended”—even if the platforms claim to offer free services or disclaimers. If the content is deemed to encourage gambling, it may still violate the law.
Expanded Monitoring and Enforcement
The Internet Hotline Center, which currently monitors online content for illegal material such as child abuse and narcotics, will expand its role. It will cover gambling-related content now. It will work closely with the NPA to identify and remove illegal casino promotions across digital platforms.
Officials estimate that 3.37 million people in Japan have accessed online casinos. The crackdown is meant to curb this trend and reinforce Japan’s zero-tolerance stance on unlicensed gambling.
