TOKYO (TR) – The National Police Agency (NPA) revealed that a record 158 cases of online casino gambling were uncovered nationwide last year.
The revelations come as illegal betting operations via smartphones and computers continue to grow as a major societal issue, reports TV Asahi (Apr. 23).
According to the NPA, the year-long crackdown implicated a total of 221 individuals. Among them, 196 were customers busted for participating in illegal wagers, marking an increase of more than 50 people from the previous year.
Authorities attribute the spike in exposed cases to heightened public awareness regarding the illegality of online gambling, which has prompted a surge in voluntary confessions and anonymous tip-offs.
A recent fact-finding survey conducted by the NPA paints a staggering picture of the illicit industry’s scale. An estimated 3.37 million individuals in Japan use online casinos, pouring in an estimated 1.2 trillion yen in total annual wagers.
In response to the growing problem, the government revised the Basic Act on Countermeasures against Gambling Addiction last year. The updated legislation explicitly prohibits the establishment and operation of internet casino sites, as well as the use of social media and advertising to solicit users.
Police continue to issue stern warnings to the public, emphasizing that the jurisdictional location of the servers offers no legal protection for players in Japan.
“Even if an online casino is legally operated overseas, connecting from within Japan to engage in gambling is a crime,” the NPA stated.
