Japan recorded a sharp rise in illegal online gambling cases in 2025, with authorities identifying a record number of incidents and individuals involved. According to local media reports, data released by Japan’s National Police Agency showed that enforcement actions were taken against 317 people. Reports said this is the highest figure since records began in 2018.  

The increase reflects both growing participation and stronger detection efforts. Japanese authorities identified 158 cases of illegal online gambling during the year. These cases involved 221 individuals, including gamblers and those facilitating operations such as payment processing and online promotion.  

Japanese authorities attribute the rise partly to greater public awareness of the illegality of iGaming. They said that high-profile cases involving public figures have prompted more individuals to report activities or turn themselves in. 

Under Japanese law, gambling remains largely prohibited, even when accessing overseas-based casino platforms. The government has also strengthened its legal framework. In 2024, measures were introduced to restrict access to online casino content and combat addiction.  

Many platforms, however, remain accessible on smartphones. Authorities have indicated that further action will focus on disrupting access and targeting operators that enable transactions.  
 

Smartphones drive shift to online-based gambling

A key trend in 2025 was the dominance of smartphone-based gambling; nearly 70 per cent of those identified were involved in “online-based” casinos accessed through personal devices rather than physical locations.  

Police believe that mobile access increases the risk of excessive gambling. The convenience of placing bets at any time and from any location allows users to engage more frequently and with fewer barriers. This has raised concerns about addiction and financial harm.  

Of the 221 individuals linked to online-based gambling, 196 were customers, showing a rise from the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of operators and intermediaries declined, suggesting that enforcement efforts may be disrupting organised networks while individual participation continues to grow.  

By contrast, only seven cases were linked to on-site online casinos, involving 96 individuals. Authorities said these establishments, where users access gambling sites via computers at physical venues, now represent a smaller portion of the overall activity.  
 

Wider enforcement targets exploitation and trafficking

The rise in online gambling cases forms part of a broader enforcement push by Japanese authorities. In 2025, police also investigated 71 cases involving predatory host clubs, where customers were pressured into debt and, in some cases, coerced into sex work. Although this figure declined from the previous year, it remains a concern.  

Administrative actions against entertainment businesses reached 251 cases, including licence revocations. These measures are tied to updated legislation aimed at preventing exploitation and excessive spending driven by emotional manipulation.  

Human trafficking cases also increased, with police handling 142 incidents during the year. These cases involved 78 individuals and highlight ongoing risks linked to organised crime and vulnerable populations.  
 

Rising participation despite strict laws

The enforcement data comes amid widespread illegal iGaming activity in Japan. A study published in February 2025 estimated that around 3.46 million people had engaged in online gambling over the previous year. The same report indicated that gambling websites were accessed tens of millions of times annually from Japan, with mobile devices accounting for the majority of traffic. 

As enforcement intensifies, reports said that officials aim to create an environment where access to illegal gambling in Japan becomes more difficult.

 

 

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