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Japan has taken a strong step to stop the rising problem of illegal online casinos. The country’s lower house has passed a new bill that doesn’t just target the casino operators it also goes after the people and websites that promote or guide users to these gambling sites. This new law shows how serious Japan is about fighting online gambling and protecting society.
What’s New in the Law?
This new bill is a change to the old gambling laws in Japan. Now, it will be illegal not just to run online casinos, but also to:
- Share links to these casino sites
- Promote them through videos or social media
- Help people find these sites, even if the casino is outside Japan
Japan’s lawmakers want to finish passing this law before June 22, when the current parliamentary session ends. Once passed, the law will also hold influencers, websites, and even social media platforms responsible if they help spread illegal gambling content.
Why This Law Is Important
Even though online casinos are not legal in Japan, many people still use them. A recent government report showed that:
- Around 3.37 million people in Japan have played on online casino sites
- Every year, people in Japan bet 1.24 trillion yen (around $8.7 billion) online
- Some celebrities and athletes have also been found using these sites
This has made the issue even more serious. Many people are getting addicted or losing money through these platforms. That’s why the government wants to stop not just the sites, but also the people who promote them.
What Are the Punishments?
The current law already says that betting on online casinos is a crime in Japan. If someone is caught, they could face:
- A fine of up to 500,000 yen
- Or jail time of up to 3 years for repeated crimes
With the new law, these punishments will continue. But now, there will be extra pressure on digital platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and websites. If they don’t remove illegal content or casino ads, they could also be in trouble.
Also Read: SiGMA Asia 2025: Unpacking The Evolution Of Slot Machines For A New Era
