Japanese police report record tally of online casino users in 2024
Japan’s National Police Agency has revealed it has identified 279 online casino users and dealers operating in the country last year.
This preliminary investigation into online casinos by authorities uncovered the highest figure since statistics were first recorded in 2018. Since then, the number of online casino users has increased threefold compared to 2023.
Although online gambling is illegal in Japan, there are numerous platforms operating online that offer wagering to Japanese users. Those found breaking the law can face fines of up to JPY 500,000 (US$3,240)1 JPY = 0.0065 USD
2025-02-04Powered by CMG CurrenShift and repeat offenders may face imprisonment for up to three years.
The National Police Agency is now increasing its efforts against illegal online gambling operations, going after payment providers that are used to exchange Japanese Yen when making deposits and withdrawals.
Police use the information from payment accounts to identify online casino users and punish those involved.
While the National Police Agency identified 162 individuals using online casinos, the actual figures are thought to be much higher, with more than three million people in Japan estimated to gamble online.
The Tokyo-based International Casino Institute surveyed 6,000 people in 2024 and found that 2.8% of respondents had played at online casinos in the past year.
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