Crime NPA detects record number of online casino users in 2024

Gambling is illegal in Japan even if an online casino operates legally overseas. According to the investigative source, mediators earn fees from overseas casino operators for providing gambling points in exchange for cash or cryptocurrencies. According to the National Police Agency, many of the people accused gambled on their smartphones, with 80 per cent, or 227, visiting virtual casinos via their personal electronic devices rather than illegal establishments that provide computer access.

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thomas said:

Japanese police charged a record 279 people with online gambling offences in 2024, more than double the previous year's number, based on preliminary government figures. Many of those charged were reportedly unaware that online gambling is illegal in Japan. Authorities are tracing online gamblers by examining bank records of companies processing bets within Japan. However, this data is believed to represent only a tiny portion of the actual problem, with an estimated 3 million people gambling online.

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Photo credit: Tsumita Mayumi​

Police in Japan identified 107 individuals suspected of using online casinos in 2023. Experts note that public awareness of the illegality of online gambling is low, with over 100 websites offering virtual casinos to Japanese players, some even promoted by celebrities. One man from western Japan reported that he was unaware of the law for three years after he started gambling online. Despite accumulating over $66,000 in debt, he gambles on his smartphone. Penalties for gambling in Japan include fines of up to 500,000 yen and prison sentences of up to three years for repeat offenders.

Record number of online casino users detected by Japan police in 2024 - The Mainichi

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- A record-high 279 people were accused by Japanese police of using online casinos in 2024, more than twice the number a year earlier,

mainichi.jp

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