Activity Report & Opinion

Urgent Survey of Experienced Online Casinos March 7, 2025


To all members of the press

2025年3月7日

The Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction


How did you get started in online casinos? Influenced by free version ads and affiliates?


23.7% “Saw it in an advertisement or on a social networking service” and 22.6% “Saw it on YouTube or a distribution site.


~Emergency Survey of Experienced Online Casino Users~.



The Association for Gambling Addiction Studies (located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Noriko Tanaka) conducted an urgent survey of people with online casino experience regarding gambling addicts and criminal behavior, especially black market gambling.

(Number of respondents: 93, Respondent attribute: Experienced online casino users connected to the support of the Association for Gambling Addiction Problem Studies)




*22 (23.7%) started playing online casinos because they “saw them in advertisements or on SNS” and 21 (22.6%) started playing online casinos because they “saw them on YouTube or distribution sites and became interested”.

* 30.1% said “within a week” and 33.3% said “within a month” from the time they started playing online casinos to the time they incurred debt.

* Nearly half of respondents (46.2%) “Yes” to criminal activity caused by online casinos. Some of them include black market job.

* 52.7% “did not know” that online casinos are illegal.


The most common reasons for starting to play online casinos were “advertisements and social networking sites” and “YouTube and distribution sites. The “free” version of online casinos is currently not regulated as a form of assisted gambling. In addition, illegal advertisements are displayed on social networking platforms, and there are also affiliate marketers and YouTubers who direct people to online casinos. Unless these measures are taken, there will be no end to the number of people who are lured into online casinos.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)


As for the time between starting to play online casinos and going into debt, 30% of the respondents said they went into debt “within a week,” an astonishingly quick turnaround. When “within a month” is included, the percentage rises to over 60%. This debt can easily lead to criminal activity, with 46.2% of the respondents indicating that they have committed criminal acts at online casinos. This includes so-called “black market jobs” such as “trading accounts,” “reselling cell phones,” and “fraud.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)


More than 52.7% of respondents “did not know” that online casinos are illegal, indicating that many people play online casinos without being aware of the illegality of online casinos.


<About the survey results


When asked how they got started with online casinos, 22 (23.7%) said, “Because I saw them in advertisements or on social networking sites,” and 21 (22.6%) said, “Because I saw them on YouTube or distribution sites and became interested.



Regarding the length of time between starting to play online casinos and going into debt, 30.1% of respondents said within a week and 33.3% said within a month.



Regarding criminal activity caused by online casinos, 46.2% of the respondents answered “Yes. Nearly half of the respondents reported criminal activity.



When asked about the type of criminal activity, some respondents indicated that they have engaged in so-called black market jobs, such as “trading accounts,” “reselling cell phones,” and “fraud.




When asked if they knew that online casinos were illegal, more than a majority (52.7%) said they did not know.




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In response to these results, the Association again requested that online casinos be addressed.



Urgent Action Needed to Address Illegal Online Casinos

While illegal online casinos are expanding rapidly, Japan's online casino regulations are still lagging behind, and those involved in online casinos in Japan, such as financial agents, affiliates, and Youtubers, are still allowed to operate unchecked. We call for urgent measures such as site blocking, strengthening measures against those involved (affiliates and money transmitters) in Japan, imposing stricter penalties, and securing budgets and specialized personnel to crack down on them.


(1) Total ban on online casino advertisements, and other restrictions on solicitation measures, stricter penalties, and tougher crackdowns


Do not allow the excuse of a free version of an online casino. The free version does not make a company. It is obvious that the free version ads are made for the purpose of leading people to the paid version. Currently, in Japan, the free version is not even enforced as a form of gambling assistance.

Even in the free version, advertisements about online casinos should be explicitly prohibited.

* Please also penalize platforms such as X that carry illegal commercials.

* Please severely punish affiliates and Youtubers who direct people to online casinos.

* Free point promotions offered to get people hooked on casinos are one of the reasons to start an online casino. Please consider regulating these points as well.


(2) Notification of illegal casino operators to the home country


Even if the company is illegal in Japan, if you go to its home country (the UK), the parent company is a respectable listed company.

Please lodge a formal protest from Japan to the Casino Control Commission in your home country or to the parent company.

* The United Kingdom has a Gambling Act and a Gambling Commission.

* Please also request Malta and Curacao (Dutch territory) to correct the abuse of casino licenses.


(3) Implementation of blocking of overseas online casino sites


Many European countries and other countries have adopted some kind of blocking measures against illegal online casinos from overseas, but Japan has not taken any measures. Japan should consider and quickly implement a system to protect its citizens by blocking online casino sites from overseas based on reports and investigations so that the sites cannot be viewed in Japan.


(4) Guidance by METI on settlement-related matters, and tighter police control


Credit card services exist for online casinos. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry should provide guidance to credit card companies. In addition, many of the payment agents that have been caught in connection with online casinos are involved in money laundering. The National Police Agency should strengthen enforcement against illegal settlement agents who handle money related to illegal transactions under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law and the Organized Crime Punishment Law.


(5) Reinforcement of the system for online casino countermeasures and securing of budget and professional human resources


In order to strengthen measures against online casinos, please establish a specialized organization to evaluate and monitor the efforts of various ministries and agencies and update countermeasures, as well as promptly strengthen the enforcement system by increasing the number of personnel with expertise in this area.



Launched in February 2014, the organization raises awareness of correct knowledge about gambling addiction, provides information and support to those affected and their families, conducts prevention education, builds partnerships among supporters, and makes policy recommendations. Website: https://www.scga.jp/


Noriko Tanaka


Representative of the Association for Problem Gambling, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Research Student, Drug Dependence Research Division.

She is the wife of a third-generation gambler whose grandfather, father, and husband were all gamblers, and has herself recovered from gambling and shopping addictions.

Author of “The Third Gambling Wife (Koubunken)”, “Gambling Addiction (Kadokawa Shinsho)”, “A Complete Gambling Problem Handling Manual for Families (Ask Human Care)”.



Activity Report & Opinion

  1. Newspaper advertisement: Gambling and Other Addictions Awareness Week begins May 14, 2025!

    Newspaper advertisement: Gambling and Other Addictions Awareness Week begins May 14, 2025!

    Newspaper advertisement: Gambling and Other Addictions Awareness Week begins May 14, 2025!
  2. Urgent Survey of Experienced Online Casinos March 7, 2025

    Urgent Survey of Experienced Online Casinos March 7, 2025

    How did you get started in online casinos? Influenced by free version ads and affiliates?

  3. Black Market and Problem of Gambling Addiction – Toward Strengthening Measures against Illegal Online Casinos – 2024/12/17 In House Meeting

    Black Market and Problem of Gambling Addiction

  4. Urgent Request for Real Name and Face Reporting of Drug Cases at Universities December 1, 2023

    Urgent Request for Real Name and Face Reporting of Drug Cases at Universities December 1, 2023

    Urgent Request for Real Name and Face Reporting of Drug Cases at Universities December 1, 2023
  5. Request for Legislative Amendment or Special Legislation to Regulate Online Casinos August 6, 2024

    Request for Legislative Amendment or Special Legislation to Regulate Online Casinos August 6, 2024

    Request for Legislative Amendment or Special Legislation to Regulate Online Casinos
  6. The movie “Waiting for Addict” will be screened June 29, 2024

    The movie “Waiting for Addict” will be screened June 29, 2024

    The movie “Waiting for Addict” will be screened June 29, 2024
  7. Gambling Addiction Portal Site “Kakeru to Kyoko” – January 29, 2024

    Gambling Addiction Portal Site “Kakeru to Kyoko” – January 29, 2024

    Gambling Addiction Portal Site “Kakeru to Kyoko” - January 29, 2024
  8. Urgent Release] Online Casino (Including Sports Betting) Damage

    Urgent Release] Online Casino (Including Sports Betting) Damage

    Urgent Release] Online Casino (Including Sports Betting) Damage
  9. Aichi International Women’s Film Festival “A Moment of Paradise” screening September 15, 2023

    Aichi International Women’s Film Festival “A Moment of Paradise” screening September 15, 2023

    Aichi International Women's Film Festival “A Moment of Paradise” screening September 15, 2023
  10. Open Letter of Inquiry to MGM, Inc. et al. July 19, 2023

    Open Letter of Inquiry to MGM, Inc. et al. July 19, 2023

    Open Letter of Inquiry to MGM, Inc. et al. July 19, 2023
  11. Administrative appeal against approval of Yumeshu IR plan, Osaka, July 13, 2023

    Administrative appeal against approval of Yumeshu IR plan, Osaka, July 13, 2023

    Administrative appeal against approval of Yumeshu IR plan, Osaka, July 13, 2023
  12. Osaka Casino Startup#Countering Addiction First: Osaka IR Special Program [Osaka] May 13, 2023

    Osaka Casino Startup#Countering Addiction First: Osaka IR Special Program [Osaka] May 13, 2023

    Osaka Casino Startup#Countering Addiction First: Osaka IR Special Program [Osaka] May 13, 2023
  13. Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Forum [Tokyo] May 20, 2023

    Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Forum [Tokyo] May 20, 2023

    Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Forum [Tokyo] May 20, 2023
  14. Opinion on the Approval of the Area Development Plan for an Integrated Resort IR including Casinos April 14, 2023

    Opinion on the Approval of the Area Development Plan for an Integrated Resort IR including Casinos April 14, 2023

    Opinion on the Approval of the Area Development Plan for an Integrated Resort IR including Casinos April 14, 2023
  15. Workplace awareness poster “Prevent! Gambling Problems in the Workplace”

    Workplace awareness poster “Prevent! Gambling Problems in the Workplace”

    Workplace awareness poster “Prevent! Gambling Problems in the Workplace”
  16. Child Allowance is being used for gambling – Law on Child Allowance Law Article 4, Section 3 should be amended.

    Child Allowance is being used for gambling – Law on Child Allowance Law Article 4, Section 3 should be amended.

    Child Allowance is being used for gambling - Law on Child Allowance Law Article 4, Section 3 should be amended.
  17. Introduction of the Party Support Department

    Introduction of the Party Support Department

    Introduction of the Party Support Department
  18. Regular ZOOM meetings for parties [every Sunday, morning & 9pm].

    Regular ZOOM meetings for parties [every Sunday, morning & 9pm].

    Regular ZOOM meetings for parties [every Sunday, morning & 9pm].
  19. 2022 Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Release

    2022 Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Release

    2022 Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Release
  20. Request for Regulation of Online Casinos

    Request for Regulation of Online Casinos

    Request for Regulation of Online Casinos
  21. Online casino legislation urgently needed Release

    Online casino legislation urgently needed Release

    Online casino legislation urgently needed Release
  22. Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Forum [Tokyo] 2022.05.18 (Wed)

    Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Forum [Tokyo] 2022.05.18 (Wed)

    Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week Forum [Tokyo] 2022.05.18 (Wed)
  23. Symposium [Osaka] 2022.5.15 (Sun.)

    Symposium [Osaka] 2022.5.15 (Sun.)

    Symposium [Osaka] 2022.5.15 (Sun.)
  24. Introduction of the events of the Problem of Gambling Addiction Awareness Week 2022.5.14-20

    Introduction of the events of the Problem of Gambling Addiction Awareness Week 2022.5.14-20

    Introduction of the events of the Problem of Gambling Addiction Awareness Week 2022.5.14-20
  25. July 10, 2022 (5/28, 7/10 Consultation) [Gunma Ota] Gambling Addiction Seminar & Family Consultation

    July 10, 2022 (5/28, 7/10 Consultation) [Gunma Ota] Gambling Addiction Seminar & Family Consultation

    July 10, 2022 (5/28, 7/10 Consultation) [Gunma Ota] Gambling Addiction Seminar & Family Consultation
  26. Twitter serial drama “Liar is the Beginning of **” starring Yuka Masuda

    Twitter serial drama “Liar is the Beginning of **” starring Yuka Masuda

    Twitter serial drama “Liar is the Beginning of **” starring Yuka Masuda
  27. Family Dynamics Program (FDP) ZOOM to be held 2022.3-.

    Family Dynamics Program (FDP) ZOOM to be held 2022.3-.

    Family Dynamics Program (FDP) ZOOM to be held 2022.3-.
  28. Collaborative project with Showa University Karasuyama Hospital In-house meeting [Tokyo].

    Collaborative project with Showa University Karasuyama Hospital In-house meeting [Tokyo].

    Collaborative project with Showa University Karasuyama Hospital In-house meeting [Tokyo].
  29. Creation of a package of educational materials to support families with gambling addiction, produced by the YAHOO!

    Creation of a package of educational materials to support families with gambling addiction, produced by the YAHOO!

    Creation of a package of educational materials to support families with gambling addiction, produced by the YAHOO!
  30. We oppose the creation of a marijuana use offense.

    We oppose the creation of a marijuana use offense.

    We oppose the creation of a marijuana use offense.
  31. Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week (2021.5/14-5/20) List of efforts by each prefecture

    Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week (2021.5/14-5/20) List of efforts by each prefecture

    Gambling and Other Addiction Awareness Week (2021.5/14-5/20) List of efforts by each prefecture
  32. Please support our activities as an individual supporter.

    Please support our activities as an individual supporter.

    Please support our activities as an individual supporter.
  33. Twitter Drama “Mae osho Harka-sama” (Haruka-sama) started to be distributed on 3.15!

    Twitter Drama “Mae osho Harka-sama” (Haruka-sama) started to be distributed on 3.15!

    Twitter Drama “Mae osho Harka-sama” (Haruka-sama) started to be distributed on 3.15!
  34. Gambling Addiction Consultation Calls for the Year-end and New Year’s Holidays 12.29-1.3

    Gambling Addiction Consultation Calls for the Year-end and New Year’s Holidays 12.29-1.3

    Gambling Addiction Consultation Calls for the Year-end and New Year's Holidays 12.29-1.3
  35. Announcement of Special Online Family Meeting for 2020 -2020.12.13

    Announcement of Special Online Family Meeting for 2020 -2020.12.13

    Announcement of Special Online Family Meeting for 2020 -2020.12.13
  36. Twitter drama series distribution (5/14 – Enlightenment Week) “Mrs. Lost: Interventionist Ayame” (5/14 – Enlightenment Week)

    Twitter drama series distribution (5/14 – Enlightenment Week) “Mrs. Lost: Interventionist Ayame” (5/14 – Enlightenment Week)

    Twitter drama series distribution (5/14 - Enlightenment Week) “Mrs. Lost: Interventionist Ayame” (5/14 - Enlightenment Week)
  37. Nana Takamatsu & Noriko Tanaka [Dialogue with Dependency Navigator].

    Nana Takamatsu & Noriko Tanaka [Dialogue with Dependency Navigator].

    Nana Takamatsu & Noriko Tanaka [Dialogue with Dependency Navigator].
  38. We surveyed the number of self-help groups in the country!

    We surveyed the number of self-help groups in the country!

    We surveyed the number of self-help groups in the country!
  39. Please provide emergency support in the Corona Disaster!

    Please provide emergency support in the Corona Disaster!

    Please provide emergency support in the Corona Disaster!
  40. Urgent study of the impact on gamblers and their families in the Corona disaster!

    Urgent study of the impact on gamblers and their families in the Corona disaster!

    Urgent study of the impact on gamblers and their families in the Corona disaster!
  41. Started holding family reunions online!

    Started holding family reunions online!

    Started holding family reunions online!
  42. What is the “Yamanashi Model” of regional cooperation?

    What is the “Yamanashi Model” of regional cooperation?

    What is the “Yamanashi Model” of regional cooperation?
  43. 2019.9.6 “Dependency Reporting Good Press Awards 2018” Award Ceremony

    2019.9.6 “Dependency Reporting Good Press Awards 2018” Award Ceremony

    2019.9.6 “Dependency Reporting Good Press Awards 2018” Award Ceremony
  44. 2019 Model classes for addiction prevention classes that are not just “no, never” classes.

    2019 Model classes for addiction prevention classes that are not just “no, never” classes.

    2019 Model classes for addiction prevention classes that are not just “no, never” classes.
  45. Gambling Addiction Portal Site Now Available

    Gambling Addiction Portal Site Now Available

    Gambling Addiction Portal Site Now Available
  46. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 [Osaka] The Real Story Behind the Need to Fight Gambling and Other Addictions – Commemorating the Inauguration of Cambling Addiction Awareness Week

    Wednesday, May 15, 2019 [Osaka] The Real Story Behind the Need to Fight Gambling and Other Addictions – Commemorating the Inauguration of Cambling Addiction Awareness Week

    Wednesday, May 15, 2019 [Osaka] The Real Story Behind the Need to Fight Gambling and Other Addictions - Commemorating the Inauguration of Cambling Addiction Awareness Week
  47. Tuesday, May 14, 2019 [Tokyo] The Real Story Behind the Need to Fight Gambling and Other Addictions – Commemorating the Inauguration of Cambling Addiction Awareness Week

    Tuesday, May 14, 2019 [Tokyo] The Real Story Behind the Need to Fight Gambling and Other Addictions – Commemorating the Inauguration of Cambling Addiction Awareness Week

    Tuesday, May 14, 2019 [Tokyo] The Real Story Behind the Need to Fight Gambling and Other Addictions - Commemorating the Inauguration of Cambling Addiction Awareness Week
  48. Attended the International Conference on Drugs and Addictions at the invitation of the Vatican City State

    Attended the International Conference on Drugs and Addictions at the invitation of the Vatican City State

    Attended the International Conference on Drugs and Addictions at the invitation of the Vatican City State
  49. Developed a self-diagnosis tool for gambling addiction, “LOST”.

    Developed a self-diagnosis tool for gambling addiction, “LOST”.

    Developed a self-diagnosis tool for gambling addiction, “LOST”.
  50. News! We have received two “awareness videos” from a support group in Nevada, USA. They are subtitled in Japanese.

    News! We have received two “awareness videos” from a support group in Nevada, USA. They are subtitled in Japanese.

    News! We have received two “awareness videos” from a support group in Nevada, USA. They are subtitled in Japanese.
  51. May 24, 2018 – Invited as a witness to the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee on the Basic Law on Measures against Gambling and Other Addictions

    May 24, 2018 – Invited as a witness to the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee on the Basic Law on Measures against Gambling and Other Addictions

    May 24, 2018 - Invited as a witness to the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee on the Basic Law on Measures against Gambling and Other Addictions
  52. Featured in Front Runner!

    Featured in Front Runner!

    Featured in Front Runner!
  53. Ends December 2022 Line service begins!　Full of information on gambling addiction

    Ends December 2022 Line service begins!　Full of information on gambling addiction

    Ends December 2022 Line service begins!　Full of information on gambling addiction