Roulette on Reels: Japan's Unauthorized Gambling Scene Thrives
Japan Initiates Extensive Strategies to Combat Unlawful Online Gambling Establishments
Despite the ban, more than 3.37 million Japanese participate in unauthorized online casinos, with estimates of the annual betting volume exceeding 1.2 trillion JPY (around 7.6 billion EUR)[1]. Currently, the Japanese government is weighing drastic measures to curb this growing issue, discussed here, alongside a brief overview of how other countries tackle the same problem.
Facing the Issue Head-On
In response to the alarming increase in gambling addiction and illicit activities related to online gambling, the Japanese government has established an expert panel tasked with advising on the potential blocking of casino sites [2][3]. The current strategies under consideration aim to:
- Creepy censorship: Harnessing AI-based filter software, such as i-FILTER developed by Digital Arts, to prevent access to gambling sites, presumably by inspecting user internet traffic with the powers traditionally protected under telecommunications secrecy. However, the feasibility of these measures remains under investigation due to the potential clash with constitutional norms [4].
- Legal overhaul: Introducing reforms to tighten the internet providers' responsibilities and ban affiliate marketing associated with gambling sites. Additionally, plans call for blocking credit card payments to specific providers and reinforcing youth protection filter software [4].
Awareness Matters
Unfortunately, a staggering 43.5% of participants in online gambling are blissfully unaware of the illegal nature of their activities [5]. In contrast, a whopping 60% admit to self-diagnosed addiction, showcasing a pattern of easy and seemingly inescapable dependency, exacerbated by the convenience of gambling via smartphones.
Gambling addicts often put themselves in harm's way, diving headfirst into the cyberspace of online casinos as if they were playing a never-ending video game. The simplicity of accessing these sites via mobile phones only adds to the challenges surrounding recovery [6].
Scandals Galore
Recent scandals involving high-profile celebrities and professional athletes have amplified public attention on the dangers of unauthorized online gambling in Japan [7]. Shocking exposés of famous comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo, joined by several baseball players, have fueled calls for drastic action against the illegal gambling world.
Global Perspective
While Japan ponders the implementation of various restrictive measures, other nations have already established effective systems to circumvent illegal online gambling activities. Below, we briefly review countries' approaches to manage this modern-day vice.
- Germany: The Global State Treaty of 2021 aims to create a strict regulatory framework for online gambling, evident by the systematic blocking of unauthorized providers and the disruption of payment streams [8].
- Austria: The GGL uses IP and DNS blocking to thwart unlicensed operators, much like what Japan is considering [8].
- United Kingdom: The Gambling Commission works alongside internet providers to block illegal sites, monitoring affiliate marketing and suspicious transactions made via payment service providers [8].
- Norway: Since 2024, internet providers have the authority to block the DNS addresses of illegal gambling sites upon instruction from the Norwegian regulatory authority, making operations possible only through state-licensed providers like Norsk Tipping [9].
- Denmark: In 2023, the Spillemyndigheden blocked 49 unlicensed providers, including sports betting and casino sites without a Danish license, reflecting its proactive approach against online gambling illegality since 2012 [9].
- Australia: The Australian Communications and Media Authority regularly publishes lists of blocked providers and demands cooperation from internet providers [10].
[1] https://thejapannews.com/news/article/0007619105[2] https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN0TUHE0T0TUUH00W.html[3] https://www.tokyoreporter.com/2023/03/08/japan-discusses-banning-online-casinos-including- pokerstars/[4] https://www.the-japan-news.com/news/article/0007211593[5] https://shinpensha.jp/magazine/sumikai/articles/202105.html[6] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/28/national/tsubota-out-internet-casinos-quarantine/[7] https://www.nihon-keizai.co.jp/article/KANNAI20220114007855A299C21C926C[8] https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/[9] https://www.norsk-tipping.no/Media/Provision/Rettferdskontrakt_oktober_2021.pdf[10] https://www.acma.gov.au/
- Given the growing issue of unauthorized online casinos in Japan, the government is considering drastic measures to curb this trend, such as censorship using AI-based filter software and the legal overhaul of internet providers' responsibilities.
- These measures aim to prevent access to gambling sites and ban affiliate marketing associated with them, as well as blocking credit card payments and reinforcing youth protection filters.
- Unfortunately, a significant percentage of gamblers are unaware of the illegal nature of their activities, while many others are self-diagnosed addicts who struggle to break free from their dependency.
- The convenience of gambling via smartphones and the ease of access to online casinos exacerbates this issue, making recovery a challenge.
- Recent scandals involving high-profile celebrities and professional athletes have increased public attention on the dangers of unauthorized online gambling in Japan.
- Germany, as one example, has established a strict regulatory framework for online gambling, similar to the measures Japan is contemplating.
- Austria and the United Kingdom also employ internet service providers to block illegal gambling sites, while Norway gives internet providers the authority to block the DNS addresses of illegal sites.
- Denmark has proactively blocked over 49 unlicensed providers since 2012, and Australia regularly publishes lists of blocked providers.
- In the world of online casinos in Germany, the financial aspect is significant, with individuals investing their personal-finance, and it falls under the category of both business and banking-and-insurance.
- Furthermore, technology plays a crucial role in the operation of online casinos, and cybersecurity measures are crucial in maintaining their safety and privacy.
- Online gambling also intersects with entertainment, lifestyle, social-media, and politics; it is often discussed under the categories of casino-and-gambling, general-news, and crime-and-justice, making it a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach.
