Japan’s House of Representatives has approved a bill aiming to ban the operation of online casinos in the country. The measure is part of efforts to address gambling addiction and protect vulnerable populations from potential harm. 

This bill revised existing legislation on combating gambling addiction, with strong support from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. It is now headed to the House of Councillors for further deliberation and will become law before the current parliamentary session concludes later this month.

Focus on Social Media Influence

One of the key provisions of the new legislation targets the use of social media platforms to lure individuals into visiting online casino websites. Lawmakers expressed concerns over aggressive marketing strategies, including targeted advertisements and sponsored posts. These have contributed to a rise in gambling-related problems among youths.

The bill explicitly seeks to curb illicit advertising practices by imposing a ban on using social media to attract potential gamblers. 

Encouraging Platform Accountability

In addition to targeting casino operators, the bill places a significant emphasis on the responsibility of social network companies. Under the revised legislation, social network operators must monitor their platforms more closely and delete any content violating the ban. 

While specific enforcement mechanisms have not yet been fully detailed, the bill’s passage signals a strong commitment from the government to tackle online gambling and its associated risks.

Bipartisan Support and Next Steps

The bill’s smooth passage through the Lower House was facilitated by bipartisan support, with the LDP and CDP recognizing the need to address online gambling issues. Proponents of the legislation argue that without clear regulations, the spread of online casinos will threaten public health and social stability. 

The House of Councillors is expected to start deliberations in the coming days. Given the broad consensus in the Lower House, political observers predict that the bill will pass the Upper House without much opposition and be enacted before the parliamentary session ends later this month. Japan’s move to ban online casinos comes amid growing international concerns about the social and economic consequences of digital gambling. 

By strengthening its legal framework, the country aims to mitigate online gambling’s negative impact while promoting a safer online environment. This new law marks a step forward in Japan’s efforts to combat gambling addiction and protect its citizens. The measure highlights the government’s commitment to addressing emerging challenges in the digital age while ensuring that vulnerable groups are shielded from harm.