Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) has unveiled a new strategy to tackle illegal online gambling by requesting the removal of foreign-based casino websites and related advertising that targets users in Japan. The crackdown is scheduled to coincide with the enforcement of the revised Basic Law on Gambling Addiction Countermeasures, which comes into effect on September 25.

While many of these casino operators are legally licensed in jurisdictions such as Malta, Curaçao, or the Isle of Man, the Japanese government now considers their Japan-facing services to be unlawful. Authorities are preparing to launch a coordinated campaign against the spread of such content, marking a significant step in Japan’s effort to curb gambling addiction.

Scope of enforcement and internet monitoring:

Under the revised legislation, it is illegal not only to run casino websites aimed at Japanese players but also to promote or advertise them in any form. This includes social media posts, promotional videos, and websites that rank or recommend online gambling platforms. Even content that claims to be a “free version” or acknowledges the illegality of the service may be deemed to encourage unlawful activity and will be flagged for removal.

To implement these measures, the NPA is expanding the responsibilities of the Internet Hotline Center (IHC), which until now has focused on monitoring online content related to child exploitation and drug trafficking. Going forward, the IHC will also process reports of gambling-related content and conduct cyber patrols to identify and request the takedown of offending material.

Officials have already begun drafting revisions to the IHC’s operational guidelines. Phrases like “Japanese language support” and “recommended ranking” are considered red flags, even if the platforms include disclaimers or offer non-monetary versions of games.

A senior police official stated, “We would like to make it known both in Japan and abroad that the operation of casino sites and advertisements will become illegal in Japan as a result of the enforcement of the revised law. We will persistently make repeated requests for removal.”

According to The Japan News, the NPA estimates that approximately 3.37 million individuals in Japan have accessed online casino platforms, with over 70% placing actual wagers. Annual betting volumes are believed to total around ¥1.2 trillion (roughly $7.5 billion). In response, the agency is now preparing to request that foreign operators and hosting providers block access to their services from within Japan.

Authorities have contacted stakeholders in eight jurisdictions—Canada, Georgia, Costa Rica, Malta, Gibraltar, Anjouan, Curaçao, and the Isle of Man—seeking cooperation in restricting access or halting services to Japanese residents.

Blocking access under review amid privacy concerns:

Alongside the NPA’s regulatory push, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is also examining the feasibility of forcibly blocking access to illegal gambling sites. A government-appointed panel is conducting a four-stage review to determine the legal, technical, and privacy implications of such measures.

The panel’s findings so far indicate that any forced blocking would require internet providers to monitor user activity—an approach that raises significant concerns about individual privacy rights. To address this, the panel is also considering less intrusive alternatives, such as the use of smartphone filters and the removal of promotional content from social media platforms.

A growing concern for policymakers is the number of young users engaging with illegal gambling sites, particularly those that allow betting on domestic sports such as baseball and football. Officials fear that this trend could increase the risk of match-fixing and undermine the integrity of professional sports.

The expert panel reviewing site-blocking measures has warned that unregulated gambling platforms “may threaten the healthy nature of sports by, for example, leading to the fixing of games and matches.” This, combined with the growing number of gambling addiction cases, has intensified pressure on Japanese authorities to act decisively.

Japan stands out globally for not only targeting illegal gambling operators but also prosecuting individuals who place unauthorized online bets. This dual-focus approach is central to the country’s effort to eliminate unauthorized gambling and protect public health.