National Police Agency begins enforcement of stricter anti-gambling regulations targeting digital platforms
New Legislation Targets Offshore Operators and Advertisers
Japan is taking a bold step in its efforts to combat illegal online gambling by enforcing a revised law that explicitly prohibits not just the operation, but also the promotion of offshore online casinos targeting Japanese users. Beginning 25 September 2025, the National Police Agency (NPA) will officially start issuing removal requests to foreign-based gambling websites and their associated advertisements as part of its broader national strategy against gambling addiction.
The revised legislation, passed in June, aims to close legal loopholes that previously allowed international casino operators to market and offer services to users in Japan under the guise of being hosted offshore. With the new legal language, any casino site, regardless of where it is hosted, will be deemed illegal if it targets the Japanese market.
Focus Expands to Promotional Content and Influencer Marketing
Under the new enforcement framework, the NPA is not limiting its crackdown to the gambling platforms themselves. It also plans to pursue promotional content—including online ads, affiliate websites, social media promotions, and even influencer videos that showcase or recommend online casinos.
A special emphasis will be placed on language commonly used to attract local users, such as “Japanese support available” or “top recommended casino.” Even content offering free-play options or labeled as entertainment could face takedown if deemed to be implicitly encouraging gambling behavior.
To assist with enforcement, the NPA will work with the Internet Hotline Center, which has historically monitored online content related to child exploitation and narcotics. The agency will now expand its scope to include gambling-related violations, adding another layer of scrutiny to digital platforms operating in Japan.
The Scope of the Problem: Millions Accessing Illegal Sites
The NPA estimates that approximately 3.37 million Japanese residents have accessed offshore online casino sites, reflecting the widespread popularity and availability of these services despite their illegal status under Japanese law.
Although physical casinos are strictly regulated in Japan—with only a few integrated resorts permitted under a special regulatory regime—online casinos hosted abroad have operated in a legal gray area. The updated law is designed to eliminate this ambiguity and reinforce the message that any online gambling activity targeting Japan is now unequivocally illegal.
Global Enforcement: Domestic Pressure with International Reach
The Japanese government will also be contacting international service providers, hosting companies, and affiliate marketers, requesting their cooperation in removing access or advertising related to these platforms. While Japan has no jurisdictional power to prosecute operators based overseas, the strategy of using takedown requests and ISP cooperation could significantly disrupt offshore platforms’ reach within the country.
Additionally, Japanese regulators are drafting guidelines that clarify what constitutes illegal advertising and promotional language. This proactive move aims to reduce potential evasion tactics by operators attempting to rebrand or mask their offerings.
Looking Ahead: A Tougher Line on Gambling Promotion
Japan’s latest initiative signals a major shift in its online gambling enforcement policy. By directly targeting advertising, promotions, and online content that supports illegal gambling, the government aims to curb accessibility and reduce harm, especially amid concerns over rising gambling addiction rates.
As global interest in online gambling continues to grow, Japan is setting a precedent with its comprehensive and preventative approach—targeting not just the operators but the entire ecosystem that enables access, visibility, and user engagement with illegal casinos.
