Japanese lawmakers respond as illegal betting reaches JPY1 trillion
Japan’s ruling and opposition parties have agreed to introduce a bill during the current legislative session to address illegal betting on online casinos, which has reached JPY1 trillion (US$6.90 billion)1 JPY = 0.0069 USD
2025-05-19Powered by CMG CurrenShift according to a National Police Agency survey.
The legislation would revise current loopholes regarding online casino access and introduce countermeasures to combat gambling addiction. It also bans gambling advertisements, which would lead people to online casino platforms.
The bill calls for both central and local governments to create public relations and awareness campaigns to warn the Japanese public of the harm of gambling and that online casinos are illegal to access.
Japan’s eight parties, the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the Japan Innovation Party, the Democratic Party for the People, the Japanese Communist Party, Reiwa Shinsengumi, and Yushi No Kai, have all confirmed that the bill assembled by the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, and Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan would be submitted by the end of the month.
Online casinos are illegal in Japan and are subject to the country’s Penal Code. A National Police Agency survey released in March revealed that over three million Japanese residents admitted to online gambling, and the value of wagers had reached JPY1.2 trillion (US$8.28 billion)1 JPY = 0.0069 USD
2025-05-19Powered by CMG CurrenShift.
Of the 3.37 million people who have used online casinos in Japan, 31% were found to be in their 20s, and 27% were aged in their 30s.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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