Authorities in Japan are weighing up all the options, including the possibility of implementing website blocking, as illegal gambling activity in 2025 reached record levels.

The proposals are currently being discussed by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, according to reports by The Japan News, and have been acknowledged as an effective measure to curb engagement with online gambling platforms.

However, concerns remain that implementing these measures would violate the terms of Japan’s constitution related to the ‘secrecy of any means of communication’.

As a result, the Ministry believes that website blocking should be viewed as a last resort if other measures fail to effectively combat online gambling.

Last week, the National Police Agency reported that it took enforcement action against 317 individuals in 2025 – a record high since data began to be collected in 2018. Of the 317 individuals, 221 were arrested in relation to online casinos across 158 cases.

Online gambling is strictly prohibited in Japan. However, data from the NPA estimates that 2 million people take part in online gambling each year, largely through accessing sites overseas.

Total wagers from players are estimated to top ¥1.24 trillion (£7,79bn) annually.

Is website blocking inevitable?

The panel analysing the implementation of website blocking emphasised that clear criteria must be met before it is given the green light.

The rules must be viewed as necessary and effective, demonstrate a clear social benefit, and the specifics of the blocking system must satisfy the panel.

Given concerns over such government overreach, which would require internet service providers to monitor all users’ access, the use of website blocking has rarely been considered.

Currently, such rules are only in place for preventing access to child pornography websites.

Joji Shishido, Professor at the University of Tokyo, specialising in constitutional law, told the panel: “Blocking websites is the final button to be pressed within the overall effort to eliminate harm caused by online casinos.

“If the measure is to be implemented, the government needs to take a much more serious approach to building the necessary system.”

Last year, Japan’s government rolled out new laws to tackle unlicensed gambling by outlawing the operation and use of unlicensed gambling sites, as well as their promotion through banner ads, affiliate links, and social media posts.

The report noted that a ‘certain degree of effectiveness has been observed’ from these efforts. However, it is clear that there is an appetite for more impactful changes, which website blocking would provide.

 

 

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#Japan #Regulation #Compliance #OnlineGambling #CyberSecurity #Policy