Japan's Lower House Passes Major Bill to Ban Online Casinos
On June 3, 2025, Japan's House of Representatives passed a landmark bill aimed at strengthening the nation's crackdown on illegal online gambling, particularly online casinos. The bill, which revises current laws focused on gambling addiction prevention, has garnered significant support, primarily from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). However, the opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, opposed the legislation. Now that it has passed the lower chamber, the bill awaits deliberation in the House of Councillors. It is expected to be enacted by the end of the current parliamentary session on June 22.
The primary aim of the bill is to shut down unauthorized online casino operations, but it also includes measures that address online gambling promotion through websites and social media. By targeting both operators and platforms that facilitate access to gambling content, the legislation seeks to impose stricter oversight on the digital realm. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the social impact of online gambling in Japan.
Measures Addressing Rising Gambling Concerns
The legislation is part of Japan’s broader strategy to combat the escalating issue of online gambling addiction. A recent survey by the National Police Agency revealed that around 3.37 million individuals in Japan have engaged in online casino gambling, with annual expenditures amounting to 1.24 trillion yen (approximately $8.7 billion). Despite the legal status of many international online platforms, gambling of this nature is still illegal within Japanese borders.
One of the significant driving factors behind the bill's passage has been the high-profile cases of celebrities and athletes participating in online gambling activities. These revelations have raised public awareness and contributed to the urgency surrounding the issue. As the spotlight on gambling-related harm intensifies, so does the pressure for reform.
The Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction in Tokyo has reported a massive increase in consultation requests. From just eight cases in 2019, the number of individuals seeking help for gambling addiction surged to 91 in 2024. This elevenfold rise highlights the strain placed on mental health support systems as online gambling becomes increasingly prevalent.
Enforcement and Penalties
Under the existing Japanese legal framework, participation in unauthorized online gambling can result in fines of up to 500,000 yen. Repeat offenders may face imprisonment for up to three years under the Penal Code. The newly passed bill further empowers authorities by compelling social media platforms to remove content that promotes or facilitates illegal gambling. This provision is expected to tighten control over digital platforms that play a role in encouraging gambling behaviors.
In an effort to combat gambling-related harm, organizations like BetBlocker are also making strides. The group recently launched a Japanese-language version of its software, providing tools to limit access to gambling websites. This move reflects the growing recognition of the problem and the increasing efforts to provide resources for those affected by gambling addiction.
What Lies Ahead for Japan’s Gambling Legislation
The bill's journey began in mid-May 2025, following discussions among eight political parties and parliamentary groups. If it receives approval from the House of Councillors, Japan could see a new legal framework in place soon after, marking a significant step forward in the country's fight against gambling addiction. The bill not only aims to protect citizens from the harms of illegal gambling but also ensures that stricter penalties are imposed on those who continue to promote such activities.
Source:
Japan’s Lower House Approves Bill to Ban Online Casinos, lcb.org, June 5, 2025.