Japan Weighs Blocking Online Casino Websites

A government advisory panel in Japan has identified website blocking as a potentially effective tool to limit access to online casino platforms, while also warning that such measures could raise constitutional issues. The discussion comes amid increasing enforcement against illegal online gambling in the country.

According to reports, the panel acknowledged that restricting access to gambling websites could help reduce usage. However, it also highlighted concerns that blocking could interfere with constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of communication and access to information.

Given these concerns, the panel recommended a cautious approach. It suggested that authorities should first assess whether alternative measures such as stricter advertising controls and broader policy initiatives have been fully utilised before considering website blocking.

The proposal places blocking within a wider policy framework linked to Japan’s updated gambling addiction legislation, which came into effect last year. The panel emphasised that enforcement efforts should not rely on a single solution, but instead combine multiple strategies aimed at reducing access to and engagement with illegal operators.

This approach reflects the broader challenge of regulating online gambling, where digital access makes enforcement more complex compared to traditional, land-based venues.

The panel’s findings come at a time of increased enforcement activity. Authorities recorded a rise in cases related to illegal online gambling in 2025, reaching levels not seen in several years.

Rather than presenting website blocking as a standalone fix, the report positions it as one component of a broader strategy that also includes advertising restrictions and other preventative measures.

Ultimately, the panel underscored the need to balance effective enforcement with the protection of individual rights, as policymakers consider how best to respond to the growing presence of illegal online casinos.