Japan's Cabinet approves new strategy to combat online gambling addiction

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet has approved a comprehensive strategy to address the growing issue of online gambling addiction in Japan.

The new plan includes tougher crackdowns on payment collection agencies and affiliates—companies or individuals who promote online casinos and earn commissions for referring players, the Japan Times reported.

The strategy also emphasizes raising awareness among businesses, urging them to take measures such as banning the display of online casino ads and introducing public reminders about the illegality of online gambling. Additionally, new social media advertisements will aim to remind users that online casino gambling is prohibited in Japan.

Yoshitaka Ito, the minister responsible for tackling gambling addiction, expressed concern about the hike in online gambling activity. "There are strong indications the number of people accessing online casino sites is increasing, leading to the accompanying problem of addiction," he said during a news conference after the Cabinet meeting.

Noriko Tanaka, representative director of The Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction, stressed that more action is needed. "The government says online casinos will be subject to stricter controls. But what exactly will this involve? In order to enforce stricter controls, it will be necessary to take legislative action," she said.

About 3.37 million Japanese have illegally gambled on overseas online casinos, with 1.97 million active users spending ¥1.2 trillion ($8.07 billion) annually, as per a survey conducted by the National Police Agency (NPA). The survey follows recent gambling scandals involving public figures.

In January, table tennis player Koki Niwa was fined ¥100,000 ($673) for online gambling. In February, 14 players from Nippon Professional Baseball were implicated, including Orix Buffaloes pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka, who later apologized. 

Tokyo police are also investigating comedians affiliated with the Yoshimoto Kogyo talent agency for alleged involvement in online casino gambling. Takahira Kuruma, part of the comedy duo Reiwa Roman, admitted to the allegations and issued an apology on YouTube.

The NPA emphasized that gambling on overseas online casinos from Japan is illegal, with fines of up to ¥500,000 ($3,363) and prison sentences for habitual offenders.

While most forms of gambling are illegal in Japan, public sports betting, such as horse and motorboat racing, is permitted. However, due to health concerns related to the pandemic, many bettors have shifted to online platforms.

The government said it is considering restrictions on online betting and banning credit card payments for public gambling.