Japan’s revised gambling law comes into force, and arrests quickly follow.
Japan has moved decisively to address the rise of illegal online gambling with the enforcement of its revised Basic Law on Measures against Addiction, effective from 25 September. The legislation explicitly prohibits the operation of online casinos, referral websites, and social media promotions directing users to gambling platforms. While the law does not impose specific criminal penalties, it empowers administrative agencies to strengthen countermeasures and seeks to raise social awareness about the illegality of online gambling.
The urgency of these reforms was made clear when Gifu Prefectural Police arrested two individuals accused of running a website promoting a Curaçao-based online casino. Investigators reported that the site attracted approximately 670 customers and facilitated nearly ¥70bn (€400m) in bets over four years. The operators are believed to have profited through affiliate commissions and used aggressive tactics such as “guaranteed win” claims, lottery prize incentives, and even a paid Discord community where members received gambling strategies.
Authorities view this case as the first significant crackdown under the revised law, highlighting how affiliates have leveraged both traditional websites and modern social platforms to attract younger audiences. A March survey by the National Police Agency revealed that 75% of visitors to online casino sites engaged in wagering, with nearly 40% unaware that such gambling is illegal in Japan. The problem is especially pronounced among youth exposed via social media.
The revised law aims to dismantle this promotional infrastructure, marking a turning point in Japan’s gambling regulation. As the country advances toward integrated casino resorts, the government’s dual focus is on enabling regulated gambling opportunities while reinforcing responsible gambling protections. This case underscores both the challenges and urgency in ensuring safe and legal gambling practices.
