A recent survey by the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan shows that approximately 3.37 million people in Japan have participated in online gambling, raising concerns about the rise of offshore online casinos. According to "The Japan News", these bets are estimated to have an annual value of about 1.24 trillion yen (8.39 billion USD), and despite the market being illegal in Japan, it is quite large.
This is the first time such a survey has been conducted in Japan, collecting responses from 27,145 people aged between 15 and 79 years. Among those surveyed, 3.5% admitted to having gambled online either in the past or currently. Most users are in their twenties and thirties, indicating that younger people are more keen on online gambling.
Social Media Drives Gambling Industry Growth
The study points out that social media influencers and online content creators are the main drivers of the surge in online gambling. Many users are attracted to paid casino platforms after trying the free versions promoted online. This strategy effectively boosts engagement, especially among younger users.
A survey by a support group in Tokyo found that 30% of first-time users were heavily in debt within a week of starting online gambling, and another 33% within a month. The rapid accumulation of debt raises concerns about the addictive nature of these platforms.
Lack of Awareness and Legal Implications
The survey shows that 43.5% of respondents are unaware that accessing online casinos in Japan is illegal. While casino gambling is allowed in specific regulated environments, such as Integrated Resorts (IR), participating in offshore online gambling is still illegal.
Japanese law only permits publicly operated gambling activities, such as horse racing and bicycle races. The increasing number of Japanese online casino platforms has led to public confusion about their legality.
Popular Platforms and Market Structure
The NPA's study found that Vera&John, Casinosecret, and Queen Casino are the most commonly used platforms by Japanese gamblers. These sites operate in Curacao and Costa Rica and are legally registered in their home countries. Data shows that 70% of the top 40 online casinos serving Japanese users are located in Curacao, attracting millions of visits from Japan.
Local businesses act as agents for offshore casinos, promoting transactions and services through affiliate marketing, which has driven market growth. Authorities are intensifying efforts to crack down on such agents assisting and abetting illegal gambling.
Calls for Enhanced Regulation and Support
The NPA plans to strengthen public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the legal risks of online casinos. Experts urge stronger measures, including blocking access to these sites, to curb gambling-related issues. Calls for improved support systems for those struggling with addiction are also growing louder.
Japan's first integrated resort casino is expected to open in Osaka by 2030, and authorities are facing increasing pressure to address the growing influence and associated risks of offshore online gambling.
