Japan Advances Bill to Ban Online Casinos Nationwide

Japan is advancing a significant piece of legislation aimed at curbing online gambling, marking a potentially transformative moment in the nation’s regulatory approach. In early June 2025, the lower chamber of Japan’s National Diet approved a bill that proposes a comprehensive ban on online casino operations and advertising. This move underscores intensifying concerns over the unchecked growth of internet-based gambling and its social repercussions.

Should the bill secure passage through the House of Councillors, Japan will implement strict legal measures to prohibit not only the operation of online casinos but also any form of advertising or promotional activity linked to such services. The legislation explicitly targets platforms, affiliates, and advertisers who enable Japanese users to access or become exposed to foreign-operated online gambling content.

The legislative proposal distinguishes itself with its far-reaching scope, according to the analysis published by Vivo Gaming. It does not solely focus on those who run gambling platforms but also encompasses any third parties involved in facilitating access to them. This includes marketing agencies, content creators, and even web services that host promotional materials. By including a broad spectrum of actors in its enforcement net, the law aims to close off the various loopholes previously exploited by international casino operators.

Under the proposed regulations, promoting or helping others gain access to online casinos will be met with legal consequences. According to proponents of the legislation, this is a critical step to halt a growing tide of unauthorized gambling activities that operate beyond Japanese jurisdiction yet target local consumers.

Although Japan has dabbled with legalized gambling through its tightly controlled Integrated Resort (IR) framework, the government remains wary of digital casinos. These IR facilities are part of broader tourism development strategies and are subject to extensive monitoring and regulation. In contrast, the digital gambling ecosystem often escapes local oversight, especially when operated from foreign territories.

Policymakers have pointed to a surge in gambling-related problems—including addiction and financial hardship—as the catalyst for the proposed changes. According to lawmakers, many overseas operators intentionally market their platforms to Japanese users while ignoring the country’s legal and ethical standards. The bill represents a proactive measure designed to mitigate potential social harms before they escalate further.

Japan’s position on gambling reveals a strategic contradiction. While the government continues to invest in and promote land-based casino ventures as part of a national tourism push, it simultaneously seeks to shut down the digital gambling sphere. This divergence stems from the level of control regulators can exercise over each sector.

Land-based establishments are seen as manageable through licensing and oversight. Online platforms, particularly those hosted abroad, pose a challenge due to jurisdictional boundaries and lack of enforceable regulation. Advocates of the new law argue that this distinction justifies Japan’s selective approach, emphasizing the importance of protecting the public from unregulated online activities.

Should the bill be enacted, its impact will ripple across the broader Asian gaming market. Japan, known for its large population of tech-savvy consumers, holds considerable influence in the regional online gambling sphere. A definitive ban could spark regulatory debates in neighboring countries grappling with similar concerns.

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For international gaming operators, affiliates, and ad networks, the threat of punitive measures—ranging from fines to possible imprisonment—is prompting an urgent reassessment of business strategies in the region. The anticipated enforcement of stricter regulations could reshape how companies engage with Japanese audiences going forward.

The bill is now headed to Japan’s upper legislative chamber for further deliberation. A decision is expected within weeks. If passed, the new rules could be enacted before the end of 2025, signaling the end of a relatively permissive era in the nation’s online gambling sector.

Companies with a footprint in the Japanese market are advised to begin preparing for this policy shift. The government’s message is clear: the digital gambling free-for-all is coming to a close, and strict enforcement is on the horizon.

Source:

““, vivogaming.com, June 4, 2025.