Two arrests made as Japan’s revised online gambling law takes effect
Summary
Japan’s revised Basic Law on Measures against Addiction came into force on 25 September 2025, explicitly banning the creation and operation of online casino sites, intermediary “reach sites” and social media promotions that direct people to gambling platforms. The law emphasises raising public awareness and strengthening administrative countermeasures rather than setting out new criminal penalties.
A National Police Agency survey earlier this year found around 75% of visitors to online casino sites had wagered money and almost 40% were unaware such sites are illegal in Japan, with younger people especially exposed via social media.
Within days of the law taking effect, Gifu Prefectural Police arrested two people accused of running an affiliate site, “Onkaji Hissho,” which allegedly directed about 670 customers to a Curaçao-based casino over four years and facilitated roughly ¥70bn (€400m) in bets. The operators reportedly ran a paid Discord community offering gambling tips and accepted cryptocurrency bets. The case demonstrates how affiliates and social channels have been used to scale unlawful online gambling activity.
Key Points
- The revised law (effective 25 Sep 2025) explicitly bans operating online casino sites, referral/affiliate “reach sites” and social media promotions that direct users to gambling platforms.
- A March NPA survey found ~75% of online casino site visitors had wagered money and ~40% did not know online casinos are illegal in Japan.
- Two arrests in Gifu followed the law’s implementation; suspects allegedly ran an affiliate site that steered 670 customers to a Curaçao-based casino and generated large betting volumes (approx. ¥70bn).
- Operators reportedly monetised users via affiliate commissions, paid Discord communities and cryptocurrency betting — showing how modern social channels and crypto complicate enforcement.
- Authorities and NGOs are seeking broader, coordinated responsible-gambling (RG) responses as Japan expands legal state gambling and plans integrated casino resorts.
Content summary
The article explains the key elements of Japan’s updated addiction law aimed at curbing illegal online casinos by targeting operators, affiliates and social-media promotions. It outlines concerning survey findings about public awareness and youth exposure, then details the first criminal action under the new regime: arrests over an affiliate site accused of directing customers to a foreign casino and running a paid Discord community. Finally, it notes calls for coordinated RG efforts, including international NGO involvement, as Japan grows its regulated gambling sector.
Context and relevance
This change matters because it shifts focus from passive warnings to actively dismantling the affiliate and referral networks that have fuelled illegal online gambling. For operators, marketers and compliance teams, the arrests signal increased enforcement and scrutiny of affiliate marketing, social promotions and crypto-enabled flows. For regulators and RG groups, the move highlights the need for co‑ordinated education and cross-border cooperation.
Why should I read this?
Short version: this is where policy meets enforcement. New law, quick arrests — if you work in iGaming, compliance, affiliate marketing or harm prevention, it affects how you operate, advertise and measure risk. If you don’t work in the sector, it’s still a useful snapshot of how governments are tackling online harms in the social‑media and crypto age.
Source
Source: https://next.io/news/regulation/japan-revised-gambling-law-takes-effect/
