The National Police Agency in Japan has launched a widespread investigation into offshore online casinos targeting residents, marking the first major crackdown on illegal offshore gambling in the country. The growing usage of these platforms has raised concerns about addiction, debt, and involvement in illicit activities like selling bank accounts to fund gambling.
The NPA plans to compile its findings and share them with relevant government agencies and ministries to address the issue effectively. By analyzing the data, they aim to develop a comprehensive plan to combat the problem at its roots.
Despite online gambling being illegal in Japan, research shows that millions of visits are made to offshore gambling sites each month. These platforms offer sports betting and casino games tailored to local preferences, contributing to the rise in online casino usage. A Tokyo addiction center reported a significant increase in consultations related to iGaming, from 4.3% in 2019 to 20.3% in the following year.
The NPA’s investigation will focus on identifying the operators of platforms targeting Japanese residents, tracing their operations and financial transactions. Legal forms of gambling in Japan include horse racing, the lottery, pachinko, and commercial casinos. Additionally, the NPA plans to survey 7,000 individuals in Japan to gather insights on their online casino usage, with a report expected by the end of the fiscal year in March 2025.