Online casinos operate legally in many countries outside of Japan, but their use within Japan falls under the crimes of gambling and habitual gambling, which are illegal. Despite this, many Japanese citizens are unaware of the legal consequences, which has led to a significant rise in young people getting hooked on online gambling. We spoke with lawyer Mikio Uehara, who is well-versed in the issues surrounding online casinos, to understand the legal landscape.
The Legal Perspective on Online Casinos in Japan
Lawyer Mikio Uehara’s Insights
“Operating an online casino within Japan is illegal,” states Mikio Uehara. “There is rampant misinformation online that misleads people into thinking these activities are legal. This results in individuals assuming they can participate without repercussions.”
In a survey of 100 young adults aged between 10 and 29, an alarming 70 percent were unaware that using online casinos is illegal in Japan. This misunderstanding largely stems from deceptive online advertising that suggests these activities are legal.
The Allure and Risks of Online Casinos
Misleading Advertisements and Their Impact
Many young people, like a 20-year-old woman we spoke to, are misinformed by the pervasive advertising online. “I didn’t know it was a crime,” she said. A 20-year-old man added, “I thought it was legal because it’s all over the advertisements, so I wasn’t aware.”
A Rise in Gambling Addiction
The support group for gambling addiction has seen consultations double since before the pandemic, particularly among people in their twenties. “Previously, gambling addiction in Japan was mainly associated with pachinko and slot machines, but now there is a significant increase in young people addicted to online casinos,” explains Noriko Tanaka, the head of the gambling addiction support group.
Online casinos are particularly dangerous because they:
- Are accessible 24/7 via smartphones
- Allow quick resolution of bets
- Enable high stakes betting using credit cards and electronic money
These factors can swiftly lead to significant debts among young gamblers.
Case Study: The Rapid Downfall of a Young Gambler
How It Began
We interviewed a young man in his twenties, referred to as Mr. A, who lost 30 million yen ($200,000) in just half a day. Mr. A’s descent into gambling started out of curiosity and was exacerbated by a banner ad featuring his favorite soccer player promoting an online casino.
“The site claimed to be ‘the most attention-grabbing online casino in Japan today’ and assured players of its legality and safety since it had a ‘casino license,'” Mr. A recalls. This misleading information led him to believe that the activity was legal in Japan.
The Slippery Slope of ‘Baccarat’
Mr. A quickly became hooked on the card game Baccarat. “I could bet up to $10,000 on a single game, and I found myself betting this amount repeatedly. Each game decided in just 30 seconds meant I was betting over 1 million yen ($6,667) frequently,” he describes. His life soon revolved around betting: “I would wake up, log in and bet. Whenever I had free time, I logged in again. Whether I was upset or happy, I bet.”
Initially, Mr. A’s balance sheet showed a profit of 30 million yen ($200,000) over a year, but one night, everything changed. “It was about 7 PM, and I just kept betting to pass the time. By 7 AM the next morning, after 12 continuous hours, I had lost all 30 million yen. I was staring at the ceiling, wondering if it was all a dream and realized that if I continued, it could ruin my life.”
Recovery and Reflection
After a year and a half of gambling, Mr. A ended up with a debt of 3 million yen ($20,000). Recognizing his addiction, he has since quit online casinos and is focusing on recovery. “I never thought I would become addicted. It’s frightening because anyone could become addicted. I want to continue living without online casinos,” he asserts.
Conclusion
The rise in online casino usage among young Japanese, driven by misinformation and the inherent addictiveness of these platforms, poses serious social and legal issues. It underscores the need for better regulation and more comprehensive public education to prevent gambling addiction and protect vulnerable populations from the devastating effects of illegal online gambling.
Refence Article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/76cdcef0f9fac29732b342a9700c3ec5cd45271f?page=1