Approximately 3.4 Million Japanese Play at Online Casinos Despite the Ban
The Impact of Illegal Online Casinos in Japan
According to the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA), around 3.4 million people in Japan are involved in illegal online gambling, despite the existing ban. A study conducted between July 2024 and January 2025 revealed concerning figures regarding online betting in a country where internet gambling is prohibited but continues to develop rapidly.
Research Findings
The survey was conducted among 27,000 people aged 15 to 79, with 7,000 providing full responses, and 500 of them having experience with online casinos. The questions focused on both the frequency of visiting such sites and potential dependencies. The research revealed several key facts:
- Betting Volume: The total annual betting volume on online casinos in Japan is estimated at $8.39 billion (approximately 1.24 trillion yen).
- Transition to Real Money: 75.2% of individuals who started playing demo versions later transitioned to playing with real money.
- Addiction Issue: Nearly 60% of respondents admitted they suffer from gambling addiction.
- Unawareness of the Law: 43.5% of respondents were unaware that online casinos are prohibited in Japan.
Why Are Online Gambling and Casinos Popular in Japan?
Despite strict laws banning all forms of internet gambling, online casinos continue to be highly popular in Japan. Experts believe this phenomenon is related to several factors:
- Accessibility and Anonymity: Online casinos offer easy access to gambling directly from a computer or mobile device, making them more attractive to people who prefer to play anytime and anywhere.
- Lack of Information About the Ban: Many users are unaware that gambling on such platforms is illegal in Japan, leading to unintentional law violations.
- Social Pressure: In some cases, people begin gambling under the influence of friends or simply out of curiosity.
Problems and Risks
As the number of players increases, the problem of gambling addiction in Japan is becoming more pressing. According to the study, almost 60% of online casino users admitted to having trouble controlling their bets, which can lead to serious financial and personal consequences. To address this issue, the national police agency is calling for stricter measures and more active public awareness campaigns about the potential consequences.
Expectations from New Legal Casinos
Recently, Japan passed a law allowing the construction of integrated resorts with casinos, which may influence the online betting situation. However, experts believe that legal casinos may only partially solve the problem, as many Japanese prefer the convenience of online casinos over physically visiting gaming establishments.
Conclusion
The situation with illegal online casinos in Japan continues to be a serious problem. Even with the existing bans, the number of people engaging in online gambling continues to rise. Effective solutions to this problem require measures to improve awareness of legal restrictions and prevention of addictions.