Japan faces rising concerns over online casino ads

Japan currently has no regulations on advertisements for online casino sites promoting free games, which may encourage illegal gambling. This situation differs from previous years, as recent surveys show a significant number of people began gambling after playing these free games. DAZN, a sports streaming service, previously aired ads for the casino site Vera & John but has since suspended them after reviewing advertising standards. Other TV networks also broadcast similar ads from 2020 to 2023. In response to rising concerns, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to introduce a bill to ban online ads that direct viewers to casino sites. This marks a potential shift in Japan's approach to regulating online gambling advertisements.