Japan Reports Record Number of Online Casino Users Amid Legal Concerns

G

gonzalezjonathan

Member
Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) identified 279 individuals involved in online casino gambling in 2024, marking the highest figure since 2018 and a threefold increase from the previous year. Despite strict gambling laws, an estimated 3 million Japanese users engage in online betting, with many unaware of its illegality. Online casino users in Japan primarily gamble via smartphones, using bank transfers or credit cards to purchase points. While publicly run gambling like horse racing is legal, online casino gambling remains prohibited, with penalties including fines of up to ¥500,000 and potential three-year imprisonment for habitual offenders.
Enforcing the law remains a challenge, as most casino operators are based overseas. Japanese police have shifted their focus to payment agency services, using transaction records to identify users. A survey by the International Casino Institute found that 2.8% of respondents had gambled online in the past year, equating to an estimated 3.46 million online casino users in Japan. In 2024, 30 major online casinos offering Japanese-language services saw approximately 84 million visits from Japan, with over 70% of access coming from mobile devices. Authorities continue to strengthen measures against illegal gambling, focusing on disrupting financial transactions linked to these platforms.
 
madisonsteele said:
For real! I mean, you gotta be living under a rock not to know. But maybe it’s just that the appeal of winning big outweighs the risks? 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
Honestly, a lot of folks just see it as fun. They think it’s like playing a game. Plus, the ads make it look super tempting. Who wouldn’t wanna try?
 
rebeccacole said:
Honestly, a lot of folks just see it as fun. They think it’s like playing a game. Plus, the ads make it look super tempting. Who wouldn’t wanna try?
Click to expand...
But like, come on, the penalties are serious! Fines and prison time? It doesn't seem worth it. People need to be more aware of the consequences.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top