In 2024, Japan recorded its highest number of online casino users and dealers, with police identifying 279 individuals involved in online gambling. Many people in Japan gamble on foreign websites, unaware that it is illegal in the country. The National Police Agency (NPA) is increasing efforts to tackle the issue by targeting payment service operators. A survey suggests that millions of Japanese residents participate in online gambling, despite the legal risks.
Online Gambling on the Rise in Japan
In recent years, online gambling has become more popular in Japan. Many people play casino games on websites operated by foreign companies. These websites provide services in Japanese, making them easy to access. However, most users do not realize that gambling in Japan is illegal unless it is government-approved, such as horse racing or cycle racing.
According to the National Police Agency (NPA), authorities identified 279 people in 2024 who were involved in online gambling. This includes 162 players and 117 dealers. These figures are the highest recorded since 2018, when the police first started collecting this data. The number of users identified has increased nearly three times compared to the previous year.
How Do People Gamble Online?
Online casino users play different types of games, including:
- Slot machines – A game where players spin reels to match symbols and win prizes.
- Roulette – A game where players place bets on a spinning wheel.
- Sports betting – Betting money on the outcome of professional sports matches.
Previously, people would visit special shops in entertainment areas to access gambling sites. However, with the rise of smartphones, gambling has become even easier. Now, people can play from their homes by using their mobile devices. They buy gambling points through bank transfers or credit cards and use them on casino websites.
Japan’s Gambling Laws and the Consequences
Japan has strict laws against gambling. The only legal gambling activities are ones run by the government, such as:
- Horse racing
- Cycle racing (keirin)
- Boat racing
- Lottery games
Online casino gambling, even if the website is based in another country, is still considered illegal for Japanese residents. If caught, violators can face the following penalties:
- A fine of up to ¥500,000 (about $3,400 USD).
- If gambling is a repeated habit, the person could face up to three years in prison.
Why Is It Hard to Stop Online Gambling?
One of the biggest challenges for the Japanese police is stopping online gambling. Many of the casino websites are based overseas and have legal approval in their own countries. Since Japan has different laws, it is difficult to take direct action against these companies.
For Japan to take legal steps against online casinos, the country where the casino is based must have similar gambling laws. However, many of these countries allow online gambling, making cooperation difficult.
Because of this, Japanese authorities are focusing on payment service operators. These operators help users exchange Japanese yen for gambling points. By tracking these transactions, police can identify people who are using online casinos.
Millions of People Gambling Online in Japan
Arecent survey by the Tokyo-based International Casino Institute found that 2.8% of respondents had gambled online in the past year. The survey was conducted among 6,000 people in Japan during August and September 2024.
If this percentage is applied to the entire Japanese population, it suggests that around 3.46 million people in Japan have engaged in online gambling. This is a significant number, showing that online casinos are attracting a large audience despite being illegal.
How Many Times Do People Access Online Casinos?
The Yomiuri Shimbun examined data from 30 popular online casino websites that provide services in Japanese. The data showed that these websites were accessed approximately 84 million times from Japan in 2024.
A large portion of these visits came from smartphones and other mobile devices, making up over 70% of all logins. This data highlights how easily people can access online gambling platforms from their phones, leading to an increase in the number of users.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Online Gambling?
The rise in online gambling has raised concerns among Japanese authorities. Since many people are unaware that gambling is illegal, there is a growing need for public awareness campaigns.
Some possible measures that could help reduce illegal online gambling include:
- Stronger Awareness Campaigns – The government could launch educational programs to inform people that online gambling is against the law in Japan.
- Stricter Regulation of Payment Services – Authorities could impose stricter controls on payment services that allow users to buy gambling points.
- Blocking Access to Casino Websites – Some countries block online gambling websites to prevent users from accessing them. Japan could consider similar measures.
- International Cooperation – Working with other countries to regulate online gambling platforms could help reduce illegal gambling activities.
Online gambling is becoming a serious issue in Japan. Many people are unknowingly breaking the law by using foreign casino websites. The number of online gamblers has increased significantly in recent years, with millions of people estimated to be involved.
