Japan Bans Offshore Online Casino Ads Targeting Local Users

Japan has officially banned advertisements for offshore online casinos targeting local users. The new law will come into force three months after its promulgation, which is scheduled by the end of June.

Key Provisions of the New Law

The Japanese Parliament has passed legislation aimed at banning advertisements and information distribution that promote access to online casino platforms.

The bill was approved in a plenary session of the House of Councillors, following earlier passage by the House of Representatives.

What Exactly Is Prohibited

• Advertising and promoting online casinos targeting users in Japan
• Any informational content encouraging participation in online gambling
• Operating online casinos or related mobile apps within Japan

Implementation Timeline

Public Awareness Measures

The law includes a directive for central and local authorities to actively inform the public that participating in online casino activities is illegal in Japan.

This means not only advertising, but any attempt to involve Japanese users in online gambling may lead to legal consequences.

Legal Status of Online Casinos in Japan

Under the revised legal framework:

• Operating an online casino within Japanese territory is illegal
• Running gambling-related websites or mobile apps is also strictly prohibited

Background and Implications

This legislative move reflects growing public concern in Japan over the rise of gambling addiction, particularly due to the rapid expansion of online gambling platforms.

The government also emphasizes that the new measures are intended to protect citizens from financial and mental health risks associated with internet-based gambling.

The law increases accountability for advertising agencies and media platforms, as they will no longer be legally allowed to promote offshore casino-related content to Japanese audiences.