A lack of regulations in Japan has allowed online casino operators to advertise non-betting games on the internet and TV, potentially leading to illegal gambling on their sites. DAZN, a sports streaming service, ran ads for free games offered by the largest casino site, Vera & John. Despite online gambling being illegal in Japan, some TV networks have also broadcasted casino sites’ advertisements for free games.

People in Japan who bet on casino sites registered overseas can face fines of up to 500,000 yen or imprisonment of up to three years for chronic gamblers. The National Police Agency survey showed that 24 percent of respondents started gambling on casino sites after playing free games offered by online operators, and an additional 9 percent started betting after seeing advertisements. The lack of legal regulations on advertisements by online casino operators, both for free games and casino sites, has raised concerns.

Experts warn that playing non-betting games offered by online casino operators could lower inhibitions for gambling on casino sites. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to outlaw online ads that lead viewers to casino sites by submitting a bill to revise the basic law on countermeasures against gambling addiction. Overall, the issue of online gambling and advertising in Japan remains a complex and evolving challenge.