Online gambling surges in Japan with over 3.3 million users identified, says report
A recent survey by the Japan National Police Agency (NPA) has revealed that approximately 3.37 million people in Japan have participated in online gambling, highlighting concerns over the rise of offshore online casinos. According to a Japan News report, the estimated annual value of these bets is around ¥1.24 trillion (US$8.39 billion), underscoring the scale of this market despite its illegal status in the country.
The NPA’s survey, the first of its kind in Japan, gathered responses from 27,145 individuals aged 15 to 79. Of those surveyed, 3.5 percent admitted to having gambled online, either actively or in the past. Most users were in their 20s and 30s, indicating that younger demographics are more engaged in online betting activities.
Influencers and social media drive gambling growth
The findings pointed to social media influencers and online content creators as major contributors to the surge in online gambling. Many users were drawn to paid casino platforms after trying free versions promoted online. This strategy has effectively driven participation, especially among younger users.
A separate survey by a Tokyo-based support group found that 30 percent of first-time users had fallen into debt within a week of starting online gambling, with an additional 33 percent doing so within a month. The rapid accumulation of debt has raised concerns about the addictive nature of these platforms.
Lack of awareness and legal implications
The survey also revealed that 43.5 percent of respondents were unaware that accessing online casinos is illegal in Japan. While casino gambling is permitted within specific regulated environments, such as integrated resorts (IRs), participating in offshore online gambling remains unlawful.
Japan’s legal framework allows only publicly operated gambling activities like horse racing and keirin cycling. The growing number of Japanese-language online casino platforms has contributed to public confusion about their legality.
Popular platforms and market structure
The NPA’s research identified Vera&John, Casinosecret, and Queen Casino as Japanese gamblers’ most frequently used platforms. These sites operate from Curacao and Costa Rica and are legally registered in their home countries. Data showed that 70 percent of the top 40 online casinos serving Japanese users are based in Curacao, attracting millions of visits from Japan over a short period.
Local businesses acting as agents for offshore casinos have enabled this market’s growth by facilitating transactions and promoting services through affiliate marketing. Authorities have been increasing efforts to crack down on such agents for aiding and abetting illegal gambling.
Calls for stronger regulation and support
The NPA has indicated plans to increase public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the legal risks associated with online casinos. Experts have urged stronger measures, including blocking access to these sites, to curb gambling-related problems. Calls for improved support systems for those battling addiction have also intensified.
With Japan’s first integrated resort casino expected to open in Osaka by 2030, authorities face growing pressure to address the rising influence of offshore online gambling and its associated risks.
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