Japan Increases Struggle Against Illegal Online Casinos
The Japanese National Police Agency (NPA) is beginning a fresh campaign against illegal online casinos and the promotion associated with them. The action targets the increasing number of users migrating to offshore betting websites. This fall, the agency will introduce mandatory requests to remove websites and promotional materials from foreign operators marketing to Japan.
The NPA estimates that around 3.37 million people in Japan have used offshore online casinos Japan. Officials intend to strictly enforce the new regulations. Further encouragement or toleration of illegal activities is not going to be permitted.
Key Changes
As of September 25, the revised Basic Act on Measures Against Gambling Addiction will become effective. The bill was adopted in June. The document clearly declares illegal not only the organization or operation of casino games for Japanese citizens but also gambling promotion in any form.
The NPA will have more tools to engage with Japanese and overseas companies and services to ensure they filter out illegal resources and eliminate ads targeted at Japanese users.
The majority of these casinos are licensed offshore. Under the new regulations, any activity aimed at the Japanese market is a violation even for overseas operators.
Control Mechanisms
The best control mechanisms have been designed by experts, including:
- Internet surveillance: Internet Hotline Center will monitor the internet space and flag illegal content. Previously, it was an expert in child abuse crime and sale of drug content. Its mandate now includes gambling content as well, including advertising videos.
- Collaboration with services: Authorities will collaborate with online services and websites to co-identify and remove content encouraging participation in online casinos.
- New rules are being formulated to catch suspicious words, such as "Japanese support available" or "highly rated."
Even sites with free versions of games or formal disclaimers will be targeted if they are considered to promote illicit services.
Mass Online Casino Scam Exposed in Japan
Secret Gambling Site Processed Over $628 Million in Transactions
Nine individuals suspected of operating the foreign-registered online casino Konibet, which took bets from Japanese players in contravention of local regulations, were arrested by the Kanagawa Prefectural Police.
The accused ran payment systems for at least six websites and had an in-house system to trade deposits for points. Money from customers, totaling over ¥90 billion ($628.8 million), passed through more than 500 ghost accounts to conceal their origin.
The investigation began in March following unusual activity on company accounts. Police were able to get into the server of the casino and obtain raw data, including IP addresses and fund schemes.
Three suspects have been arrested since February for attempting to make counterfeit withdrawals from frozen accounts. Police continue to investigate to identify masterminds of the criminal scheme.
The Scale of the Problem
Since the NPA, around 3.37 million Japanese citizens have visited offshore online casino websites. Authorities are going to enforce the new rules seriously. More incentives or leniency towards illegal activities will not be tolerated.
This action indicates Japan's earnest desire to govern the virtual gambling industry and gambling addiction at the legislative level.
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