Japan’s government has approved an updated national strategy to prevent gambling addiction, with a heightened focus on tackling the rise of online casinos.
The revised plan was adopted during a Cabinet meeting as part of the regular three-year review of the country’s “Basic Plan for Measures Against Gambling Addiction.”
The update comes because of a growing concern over the spread of online gambling, particularly the use of illegal online casinos. Authorities are responding to research showing that around 3 million people in Japan engage in online gambling, with 43% aware that the activity is illegal.
A major focus of the new plan is targeting “payment agents”- individuals or businesses that help users make transactions on unlicensed gambling platforms. These intermediaries, often operating in legal grey zones, are key enablers of access to offshore gambling services.
In addition, the government will step up monitoring of affiliate marketers who earn money by promoting illegal online casinos through ads and referral links.
Alongside enforcement, the strategy introduces new prevention measures, especially aimed at younger users. Awareness campaigns will be run on social media to educate the public on the dangers of gambling addiction and the illegality of online casinos.
The plan also encourages businesses to adopt internal policies limiting online gambling advertisements, with a particular emphasis on curbing digital promotions.
