Japan to enforce removal of offshore casino sites targeting local users

Japan’s regulatory clampdown on offshore online gambling is set to impact an estimated ¥1.2 trillion ($8 billion) annual betting market, as the National Police Agency (NPA) prepares to enforce takedown requests against overseas casino websites.

The initiative, which follows new legal provisions effective September 25, targets both operators and advertisers promoting online gambling to Japanese users.

The enforcement aligns with the revised Basic Law on Measures Against Gambling Addiction, enacted in June, which prohibits the operation and promotion of casino sites aimed at the Japanese market. The law clarifies that advertising and facilitating such platforms are illegal, even if the services are legally hosted abroad.

A senior police official said: “We would like to make it known both in Japan and abroad that the operation of casino sites and advertisements will become illegal in Japan as a result of the enforcement of the revised law. We will persistently make repeated requests for removal.”

The NPA estimates that approximately 3.37 million individuals in Japan have visited online casino sites, with more than 70% of them placing bets. The agency plans to issue removal requests to domestic and international site operators and service providers, targeting both the platforms themselves and associated advertising or promotional materials.

The Internet Hotline Center (IHC), commissioned by the NPA to address illegal and harmful online content, will extend its monitoring activities to include gambling-related websites and content. The IHC currently focuses on areas such as child exploitation material and drug trafficking, but has not previously requested the removal of online casino sites or promotional content.

To support the enforcement, the NPA is preparing draft revisions to the IHC’s operational guidelines. These will include examples of language and solicitations that could be subject to removal requests, such as phrases like “Japanese language support” and “recommended ranking.”

Even sites that offer a “free version” of casino games or display disclaimers stating that use of the site is illegal in Japan may be considered inducements to illegal gambling. Online videos showing people playing at casinos that include links to gambling sites will also be targeted for takedown.

In addition to sites already identified by the NPA, the IHC will collect data through cyber patrols to identify new platforms and content directing users to gambling services.