3.4 million bet big in Japan, ignoring illegal gambling risks

February 3, 2025

3.4 million bet big in Japan, ignoring illegal gambling risks

A survey conducted by the Tokyo-based International Casino Institute estimates that approximately 3.46 million people in Japan participated in online gambling over the past year.

Japanese police have identified 279 individuals involved in online gambling in 2024, the highest figure since records began in 2018, according to the National Police Agency (NPA). This marks a sharp increase from the previous year, with the number of identified users tripling, highlighting growing concerns about illegal gambling activities in the country.

Despite gambling being illegal in Japan, many overseas online casinos offer services in Japanese, attracting millions of users.

The NPA confirmed that authorities identified 162 gamblers and 117 dealers, both record-breaking figures. These online casinos offer a range of betting options, including slot machines, roulette, and professional sports wagers.

Smartphones fuel gambling surge

Historically, gamblers access these sites through entertainment district shops. However, the trend has shifted, with most users now gambling via smartphones, making payments through bank transfers or credit cards.

This shift in behaviour has posed new challenges for authorities, who have found it increasingly difficult to monitor and curb illegal gambling activity. Under Japan’s Criminal Code of 1907, gambling is largely prohibited, with exceptions for public sports such as horse racing, powerboat racing, and motorcycle racing.

Additionally, lotteries, or “takarakuji,” are allowed and often used to raise funds for local governments and charities. However, engaging in illegal gambling activities can lead to severe consequences. Offenders face fines of up to ¥500,000 (approx. €3,000), and habitual gamblers may be sentenced to up to three years in prison.

The Japanese government has continued to enforce these laws strictly to prevent the social and economic harms associated with gambling, including addiction and financial ruin. While certain forms of gambling are legal, such as public sports betting and lotteries, the overall stance remains restrictive.

Gaming sites accessed 84 million times

Investigations are complicated by the fact that many online casinos operate in foreign jurisdictions. As a result, legal barriers make it difficult for Japanese authorities to pursue offenders unless international cooperation exists between countries with similar gambling laws.

To address this issue, authorities are focusing on payment service operators that facilitate transactions for online gambling. Police have begun using financial account data to track and identify online casino users involved in illegal activities.

Meanwhile, data from 30 popular online casinos reveals that gambling sites were accessed approximately 84 million times from Japan in 2024, with over 70 percent of visits made via mobile devices. This suggests that mobile gambling is rapidly becoming the preferred method for users.

Despite strict regulations, the increasing prevalence of online gambling in Japan indicates a growing challenge for authorities as they attempt to balance enforcement with public safety.