The Japanese government is considering issuing geoblocking orders against online casino platforms, according to a report from the Yomiuri Shimbun. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has not ruled out the possibility, despite reservations from critics.
The ministry commissioned a panel of experts to examine the matter in April last year. The experts have since returned a report, the contents of which have not been fully disclosed, but the government’s willingness to consider geoblocking signals a potential tightening of the country’s stance on online gambling.
Japan has strict laws against most forms of gambling, with exceptions for state-run lotteries and certain sports betting. Online casinos operate in a legal gray area, often based offshore, and Japanese players have continued to access them. Geoblocking would involve requiring internet service providers to block access to these sites, a measure that has been adopted in some other jurisdictions.
For players in Japan, this development could mean that accessing online casinos may become more difficult in the future. If geoblocking is implemented, players might need to use VPNs or other workarounds, which could carry legal risks. However, the government has not yet made a final decision, and any implementation would likely face legal and technical challenges.
Players should monitor the situation closely, as any change in policy could affect their ability to deposit, withdraw, and play at online casinos. For now, the status quo remains, but the government’s consideration of geoblocking is a sign that the regulatory environment may be shifting.