Japan has taken a firm stance against online casinos with the recent approval of a legislative amendment designed to combat online gambling in the country. The House of Councillors, Japan’s upper house, passed the revision of the Basic Act on Measures against Gambling and Other Addiction, which explicitly prohibits the offering of websites or programs that facilitate unauthorized online gambling to individuals in Japan.
The amended law goes further to criminalize the dissemination of information that could encourage or lead users to engage in such gambling activities. While the law does not specify direct penalties for violations, it establishes a legal foundation to suppress content promoting online casinos and gambling services.
Under the new law, activities such as operating online casino platforms, listing casino applications in app stores, and sharing links to these sites on social media or through advertisements are strictly prohibited. Even indirect promotion, like inviting users to register for specific online casinos or providing Japanese-language access to foreign gambling platforms, is banned.
Moreover, the legislation prohibits the creation and operation of aggregator websites that introduce or rank online casinos. Despite the absence of criminal sanctions, the government expects increased content moderation to serve as a deterrent.
The Internet Hotline Centre, under contract with the National Police Agency, is now authorized to request telecommunication companies to remove related content, further supporting the enforcement of the law. The Japanese government reiterates that gambling is illegal under its Criminal Code, even on platforms licensed and operated overseas.
To prevent cross-border access to online gambling services, Japan has reached out to eight foreign jurisdictions known for licensing and regulating online casinos, including Canada, Malta, and Gibraltar. These jurisdictions have been asked to block access for Japanese residents to licensed online gambling websites.
Additionally, the revised legislation mandates national and local governments to implement educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers and legal status of online gambling. These initiatives will target schools, workplaces, communities, and households to inform the public about the risks associated with online gambling.
While Japan’s legal gambling industry is limited to state-sanctioned activities like lotteries and betting on approved racing events, the country strictly prohibits other forms of gambling, including casino-style gaming, unless conducted within tightly regulated domestic frameworks like the integrated resort casino being developed in Osaka by MGM Resorts.
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