Survey Reveals Scale of Online Casino Gambling in Japan
A recent survey by Japan’s National Police Agency has revealed that an estimated 3.37 million people in the country have engaged in online casino gambling, despite such activity being illegal. The study, considered the first of its kind in Japan, highlights the scale of unregulated gambling, with annual wagers reaching JPY1.24 trillion (US$8.39 billion).
High Engagement in Online Casinos
The survey, conducted between July 2024 and January 2025, gathered responses from approximately 27,000 people aged 15 to 79. Analysis focused on 7,000 participants, including 500 individuals who admitted to having experience with online casino gambling.
The findings suggest that 3.5 percent of all respondents had either previously used or were still active on online gambling sites, leading to an estimated 3.37 million online casino users nationwide.
A concerning trend emerged regarding the transition from free-play versions of online casinos to real-money gambling. The study reported that 75.2 percent of users who accessed free gambling sites eventually moved on to paid platforms, increasing their financial exposure to betting risks.
Gambling Addiction and Legal Awareness
Another alarming aspect of the survey was the high prevalence of gambling addiction. According to the report, nearly 60 percent of those who participated in online gambling admitted to experiencing addiction-related issues. The findings underscore the growing concerns about the social impact of online gambling in Japan, where regulations strictly prohibit such activities.
Despite these restrictions, 43.5 percent of survey respondents were unaware that online casinos are illegal in Japan. This lack of awareness raises questions about enforcement measures and public education regarding gambling laws.
The National Police Agency has labeled the situation as “extremely serious,” emphasizing the widespread presence of illegal gambling activities in the country. While Japan has taken steps to introduce regulated casino gaming through its integrated resort (IR) initiative, online gambling remains prohibited, regardless of whether the platform is licensed abroad.