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Japan is moving closer to one of its most controversial options for tackling illegal online gambling: blocking access to offshore casino websites.
A government-appointed expert panel has stopped short of recommending the measure outright, but its latest report makes clear that website blocking remains under active consideration. The document, released Wednesday by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, concludes that the approach should not be dismissed if other efforts fail to curb illegal gambling.
The discussion marks another step in Japan’s widening campaign against online casinos, where policymakers are balancing tougher enforcement with constitutional protections surrounding digital communications.
Public Support Meets Privacy Concerns
The panel reviewed a public consultation held in May and June after publishing a draft report on website blocking. Responses came from 236 organizations, companies and individuals. Most favored introducing the measure.
Supporters argued that restricting access would make it harder, particularly for younger people, to reach illegal casino platforms. Many also believed existing enforcement tools are no longer enough to slow the spread of offshore gambling services. Some respondents viewed the social harm linked to illegal online casinos as significant enough to justify stronger intervention.
The proposal remains legally sensitive.
Blocking websites would likely require telecommunications companies to inspect where users are trying to connect online. That has raised concerns about Japan’s constitutional protection of the secrecy of communications. Several submissions urged the government to exhaust less intrusive alternatives before considering a system that could affect the privacy of every internet user.
Experts on the panel reflected that divide. Some regarded blocking as a legitimate enforcement tool, while others suggested it should only be considered if the damage caused by illegal gambling continues despite other government action.
Government Testing Other Measures First
Website blocking is only one part of a broader strategy already taking shape.
Authorities are introducing rules that make it illegal for social media posts to direct users to online casino sites. At the same time, Japan is asking foreign jurisdictions linked to offshore gambling operators to prevent access from Japanese users.
Officials intend to assess the impact of those measures as early as this autumn. Their effectiveness will help determine whether the government proceeds with website blocking or continues relying on less restrictive enforcement methods.
The expert panel itself was established in April last year after illegal online gambling emerged as a growing public policy issue. Since then, blocking has remained the most debated proposal. Its latest report does not settle the question, but it does establish the framework the government would rely on if it ultimately decides that restricting access to gambling websites has become necessary.
Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
