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Japan has passed a new law that targets websites and social media posts that help users find and access illegal gambling platforms. This new rule is part of the country’s bigger plan to stop the rise of unauthorised online betting, which has become more common in recent years.
Japan’s New Strategy to Fight Illegal Online Betting
The Japanese Parliament recently approved a law that lets the government take down websites, apps, and even social media content that link to illegal gambling platforms. It doesn’t matter if the site is based in Japan or in another country if it promotes gambling that is illegal in Japan, it can now be punished.
Even though many offshore casinos are legal in their own countries, they are still illegal for Japanese residents to use. The new law makes it a crime to guide people to these platforms. So, anyone who creates or shares content that encourages people in Japan to gamble online illegally could face legal action.
This is not just about following gambling laws. Officials are also worried about addiction, people falling into debt, and the risk of money being used for criminal activities. Lawmakers said it’s important to stop the easy access to these platforms, especially since many young, tech-savvy people are being drawn to them.
Huge Amount of Money Spent on Illegal Gambling
Reports from police show that around 3 million people in Japan have used illegal gambling websites. The total money spent on these platforms is close to ¥1.24 trillion, or about $8.6 billion each year. These numbers are worrying, and the government wants to act fast to protect the public.
In the past, several well-known people, including athletes and celebrities, have been caught using these websites. These cases made headlines and pushed lawmakers to take stricter action.
When Will the New Law Start?
The law will begin three months after it is officially announced. This gives the government time to create proper rules, raise awareness, and set up systems to watch and block illegal content.
Although full details of how it will work are still being decided, it’s likely that the government will monitor digital platforms closely, order fast removal of harmful links, and punish people who post or host them.
This law will help break down the grey area that has allowed illegal gambling to grow online. Until now, many of these websites operated without much fear of punishment, but that’s about to change.
Why This Law Is So Important
With the rise of smartphones and easy internet access, more people have been pulled into online gambling, sometimes without even realising it’s illegal. The new law tries to stop the problem at its source by cutting off the digital tools that connect people to illegal gambling sites.
Government officials believe this move will not only help reduce addiction and financial loss but also stop criminal groups from using gambling to move illegal money.
As Japan continues to modernise its gaming laws, this step shows that the country is serious about making online gambling safer and more responsible.
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