Japan has officially requested eight foreign governments and regions to restrict Japanese residents from accessing licensed online casino platforms. This move is aimed at combating illegal gambling in the country. According to a government source, the request was prompted by an increased number of Japanese users gambling on offshore platforms but in violation of domestic laws.

Illegal Activity Despite Legal Operation Abroad

Under Japanese legislation, it is a criminal offense to participate in gambling through foreign-based platforms, regardless of their legal status in other countries. Although these sites are licensed in Curacao, Malta, or the Isle of Man, they are not permitted in Japan. Online gambling remains illegal, with only government-approved lotteries and betting on horse racing, bicycle racing, powerboat racing, and speedway motorcycle racing considered legal forms. 

The requested countries and regions include Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Malta, Anjouan Island in the Comoros, Curacao, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man. The country is specifically targeting jurisdictions where online casino operators are commonly licensed.

Massive Domestic Engagement and Enforcement Challenge

A recent police estimate revealed that over 3 million people in Japan have engaged in online gambling, with approximately 1.24 trillion yen spent yearly on these activities. From a recent study analysing 40 Japanese-language online casino sites, all held a license, with nearly 70 percent registered in Curacao. Only two of the 40 platforms mentioned that users in Japan were not permitted to access their services. 

In fact, six of the sites were found to derive 100 percent of their traffic from Japan. This highlights the scale of local user engagements. Since Japanese authorities cannot easily prosecute foreign operators, enforcement efforts have focused on local intermediaries. Furthermore, the police have begun cracking down on payment agents and social media influencers who promote these gambling platforms for commissions or other incentives.

Upcoming Legislation to Strengthen Regulation

The Japanese government is preparing to pass a new law in response to this budding issue. This will tighten regulations on illegal online gambling. A core feature of this proposed legislation is a prohibition on websites directing traffic to foreign online casino sites. Once the law is passed, the Japanese government plans to formalise its request to the eight jurisdictions, restricting access for Japanese users. 

The move is part of an initiative to control digital gambling. This follows revelations that some high-profile Japanese professional athletes and celebrities have been using these online services. The government’s actions highlight a strict stance on gambling and intent to curb online activities undermining the domestic legal frameworks.