Japan‘s National Police Agency (NPA) has unveiled a new strategy to target illegal online gambling. It involves requesting the removal of foreign-based casino websites and related ads aimed at Japanese users. The crackdown will begin alongside the enforcement of the revised Basic Law on Gambling Addiction Countermeasures, which takes effect on September 25.
The Japanese government now considers these Japan-facing services illegal, even though many casino operators hold legal licenses in places like Malta, Curaçao, or the Isle of Man. This marks a significant step in Japan’s effort to curb gambling addiction. Authorities are preparing to launch a coordinated campaign to stop the spread of such content.
Under the revised legislation, operating casino websites targeting Japanese players and promoting or advertising them in any form is illegal. This includes social media posts, promotional videos, as well as websites that rank or recommend online gambling platforms. Authorities may deem even free-version content or disclaimers of illegality as promoting unlawful activity and will flag it for removal.
The NPA is expanding the role of the Internet Hotline Center (IHC) to enforce these new measures. Until now, the IHC mainly monitored online content related to child exploitation and drug trafficking. Going forward, it will also handle reports of gambling-related content and carry out cyber patrols to identify and request the removal of illegal material.
Officials have already started drafting revisions to operational guidelines of IHC. Authorities consider phrases like “Japanese language support” and “recommend ranking” as red flags, even if platforms include disclaimers offering non-monetary versions of the games.
A senior police official stated that they want to make this clear both in Japan and abroad. Operating casino sites and running advertisements will become illegal in Japan once the revised law takes effect. They will persistently make repeated requests for removal.
