Block Access to Online Casinos to Address Gambling Epidemic

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Six male entertainers affiliated with the major Osaka-based talent agency Yoshimoto Kogyo have been referred to prosecutors for indictment on suspicion of gambling via the websites of online overseas casinos.

All gambling, other than publicly approved exceptions, is illegal in Japan. That includes gambling at online overseas casinos from within Japan, even if a casino is lawful in its home location. Despite a flood of misinformation, like the frequently heard misadvice, "You’ll never be charged," it should be absolutely clear that online gambling is illegal.

The six men, all professional comedians, have admitted to the charges and been referred to the prosecutor's office for voluntary investigation. Now the question is what criminal penalties the prosecutor's office will impose.

Some of the men reportedly bet more than ¥50 million JPY ($341,000 USD). Summary indictments are common in cases of simple gambling offenses. However, the police have attached a memorandum arguing for a more severe indictment in light of the large amounts of money involved. Therefore, a decision to indict in this case is also a real possibility. The men may be more severely punished to set an example and deter gambling via online casinos, which has become rampant.

*(Clockwise from top left) Dai Yoshimoto, Shun Nakamura, Yuichi Ohara, Hayate Sasamoto, Saikyo no Shoda, and Ryudai (all from Yoshimoto Kogyo's official website via Sankei collage)*

Influential Entertainers Can Raise Public Awareness

Comedians and other entertainers enjoy tremendous influence. That is all the more reason why the public needs to recognize that online gambling is illegal and take a firm stance against it. Already, Japan’s baseball world was scandalized when it was discovered that 16 players from eight teams had gambled online. In those cases, fines were imposed.

What these incidents have in common is a shocking lack of awareness of the illegality of online casino gambling. Therefore, we would expect such influential individuals to be at the forefront in calling on members of society "to stop gambling at online casinos."

Online casinos are a frightening phenomenon. Because all payments are made via a smartphone, the speed at which a player's debts can grow is orders of magnitude faster than other forms of gambling. It can lead directly to bankruptcies and the destruction of families.

Shocking Numbers of Users

A National Police Agency survey has revealed that approximately 3.37 million Japanese have used online casino gambling services. Their total annual gambling was estimated to come to approximately ¥1.2423 trillion (nearly $8.5 million). Many of those who gambled online were in their twenties or thirties. Although 40% were not even aware that such gambling was illegal, 60% of them had come to recognize that they were addicted. It is indeed a serious epidemic.

Since China began tightening regulations, overseas casino operators have been eyeing Japan, where regulations are more lax. Members of the Japanese public have come to be seen as easy marks and are being exploited by overseas operators.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has finally indicated its intention to amend the law. That would make it illegal to direct users to casino sites through online advertisements and social media. Nonetheless, so far, the government has done almost nothing to address the problem. It is only natural that the current epidemic of online gambling is being blamed on the government's inaction.

The government and media have a responsibility to promote awareness of the illegality of online gambling and expose its dangers. We should also not hesitate to impose restrictions on advertising while blocking access to casino sites.