Japan Launches Investigation into Illegal Offshore Betting Sites

Targeting Unlicensed Online Casinos

The investigation will focus on offshore online casinos offering services directly to Japanese customers. Authorities will examine the locations of these websites, track how many Japanese visitors they attract, and assess the methods used for financial transactions. By analyzing this data, the police agency aims to understand the scope of illegal online gambling within the country.

In addition to investigating the websites, the police agency will conduct a nationwide survey of 7,000 residents to better understand how online casinos are used in Japan. This survey is expected to provide valuable insights into the prevalence of illegal gambling and help shape future enforcement actions.

The data collected could serve as a foundation for creating targeted strategies to combat online gambling addiction and limit access to unregulated platforms.

The results of the investigation will be shared with relevant organizations to help address issues related to problem gambling. One such organization is the Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction, which reports that 20% of the gambling addiction cases it handles are linked to online betting.

These findings are likely to influence future efforts to restrict access to unlicensed gambling platforms and provide assistance to individuals struggling with gambling-related harm.

The investigation is expected to be a lengthy process, and it may take a considerable amount of time before any significant results are seen. The findings will likely play a critical role in shaping Japan’s approach to online gambling regulation and its efforts to mitigate the risks associated with illegal betting sites.