Millions in Japan Illegally Gamble Online, Study Finds

According to a recent survey by the National Police Agency (NPA), over 3 million Japanese, which is about 3.5% of the population, participate in online gambling despite its strict ban in the nation. 

The research estimated that Japanese gamblers invest 1.24 trillion yen (US$8.4 billion) each year on offshore casinos and sports betting platforms. 

This follows the approval of a new strategy by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet on Friday to tackle online gambling addiction. The strategy encompasses tougher enforcement against payment processors and marketing affiliates that gain from directing players to online casinos. 

Moreover, Japanese companies will be urged to ban gambling advertisements and promotional materials, while social media initiatives will be introduced to raise awareness about the law. 

Obligation and Dependency 

The survey was carried out with 27,145 people between the ages of 15 and 79. It revealed that almost 60% of individuals who acknowledged online gambling reported facing addiction issues. Approximately 46% indicated they had incurred debt. 

There was also a common ignorance about the legality of internet gambling. Almost 43.5% of those surveyed did not know that the practice was prohibited in Japan. 

In truth, the nation enforces severe penalties on individuals caught engaging in illegal gambling, imposing fines that can reach 500K yen (US$3,300) and possible prison terms of up to three years for repeat offenders. 

Approximately 23% of individuals who engaged in online gambling indicated that celebrities, such as professional athletes and entertainers linked to online casino promotions, influenced their decisions. 

Celebrities Penalized 

There is optimism that the recent penalties imposed on various Japanese celebrities for their participation in online gambling will reinforce the message effectively. 

In January, Olympic table tennis athlete Koki Niwa was penalized for engaging in online gambling, and in February, several Nippon Professional Baseball players were involved in comparable violations. In February as well, law enforcement interrogated comedians linked to the Yoshimoto Kogyo talent agency over suspicions of online gambling. 

One, Kuruma Takahira, part of a well-known comedy duo, acknowledged the accusation and issued a public apology on social media. 

Although most types of gambling are prohibited in Japan, wagering on public sports such as horse racing and motorboat racing is permitted. In the meantime, venues providing pachinko, a type of pinball-slot machine combination, continue to be well-liked. 

In 2018, Japanese legislators passed a contentious law to allow casinos in the nation, yet seven years later, none have become operational. MGM Resorts is set to start building MGM Osaka, an integrated resort located in Osaka, in April 2025.