Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) will initiate a crackdown on offshore online casinos targeting Japanese citizens. This initiative coincides with the September 25th enforcement of revised legislation aimed at curbing gambling addiction.
The amended law, enacted in June, explicitly criminalizes not only the operation of online casinos directed at the Japanese market but also their advertising and promotion. The NPA will directly contact both domestic and international entities involved in hosting or providing services to these websites, demanding the blocking of access and removal of promotional materials targeting Japanese users.
Although many of these online gambling platforms operate legally in their respective jurisdictions, the new law considers their activities within Japan, including marketing efforts, to be illegal. The NPA’s Internet Hotline Center, previously focused on combating child abuse and drug-related content, will expand its purview to encompass online gambling.
To enhance its effectiveness, the NPA intends to work with the Internet Hotline Center to broaden the range of flagged and removed content. This includes videos promoting online casino use. Furthermore, authorities are developing revised guidelines that identify and address manipulative language used to attract Japanese players, such as phrases indicating Japanese language support or endorsements. Even platforms offering free trials or disclaimers may face investigation if deemed to indirectly promote illegal gambling.
The NPA estimates that approximately 3.37 million Japanese residents have accessed online casino websites. The upcoming enforcement action serves as a strong deterrent, signaling zero tolerance for this activity.
