Starting September 25, Japan Will Begin Blocking Online Casinos and Their Advertising
The National Police Agency will begin requesting offshore operators to block access for users in Japan, while social media platforms and websites will be asked to remove gambling ads targeting Japanese audiences. This comes under a new law aimed at combating gambling addiction.
The New Law: When and Why
On September 25, Japan’s revised Basic Law on Gambling Addiction Countermeasures will come into effect. The goal is to curb the influence of illegal online casinos, especially those targeting the Japanese market.
According to the National Police Agency (NPA), an estimated 3.37 million people in Japan have accessed online casinos, with more than 70% placing real bets. Annual betting volume is believed to exceed 1.2 trillion yen.
What the new law prohibits:
- Operating or offering online casino services to Japanese users
- Advertising such services in any form
- Review videos and live streams featuring online casino gameplay
- Affiliate links that direct users to online casinos
- Websites offering demo versions, even with disclaimers about illegality
Key Government Actions
1. Requests to Casino Operators
The NPA will issue official notices to foreign operators, asking them to shut down websites and block access for users in Japan.
2. Internet Providers and Platforms
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is considering full-scale blocking of such websites via internet service providers. A decision is expected by the end of the year.
3. Expansion of the Internet Hotline Center (IHC)
The IHC, previously focused on removing content related to child exploitation and drug use, will now also monitor online casino content:
- Conduct cyber patrols to collect information
- Compile lists of violating websites
- Request takedowns of illegal videos and advertisements
Content Subject to Ban
| Content Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Affiliate Sites | Include phrases like “Japanese-language support,” “top-rated casinos” |
| Review Videos | Showcase casino gameplay and include links to betting platforms |
| Demo Game Sites | Even if they display disclaimers stating the activity is illegal |
| Advertising Banners | Any casino-related ads targeting Japanese users |
Official Statements
A police spokesperson commented: “We want to send a clear message, both inside and outside Japan, that operating and promoting online casinos will be considered illegal.”
They added that the agency will persistently and repeatedly pursue the removal of sites and content that violate the law.
Enforcement Challenges
Authorities acknowledge that offshore operators may not comply with takedown requests. For this reason, technical blocks by internet providers are also under serious consideration.
Nevertheless, a broad legal and awareness campaign is expected to make it significantly harder for gambling content distributors to reach Japanese users.
Conclusion
From September 25, strict new regulations on online casinos and related advertising will take effect in Japan. The law is designed to protect users from gambling addiction and intrusive content.
Authorities are working not only with operators, but also with online platforms and social media networks to enforce the new rules.