In June 2025, Tokyo asked Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Malta, Anjouan (part of the Comoros Islands), Curaçao, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar — all major hubs for online betting and casino licensing — to restrict Japanese users.

Officials argue that without cooperation from these offshore jurisdictions, efforts to curb illegal gambling within Japan are largely ineffective.

Although cross-border online gambling is already banned domestically, millions of Japanese citizens still access offshore platforms. A 2024 report estimated that offshore sports betting by Japanese players alone reached ¥6.45 trillion (about US$45 billion), or roughly 1.5 trillion baht — a figure that underscores both the size of the shadow market and the limits of local law enforcement in a borderless digital world.

The request coincides with the recent passage of stricter legislation against illegal online gambling in Japan’s Diet, following several high-profile scandals involving athletes and public figures tied to betting sites.

The government has been under mounting pressure to take decisive action, framing these international appeals as an effort to extend enforcement “beyond borders.”

Major Enforcement Hurdles
Despite its bold approach, Japan’s initiative faces significant challenges. Verifying that users are Japanese citizens is technically difficult, especially given the prevalence of VPNs and anonymous accounts.

Moreover, the countries and territories receiving the request may lack the legal authority to comply — or may resist what they perceive as interference with their sovereignty.

Global implications

Japan’s campaign underscores the struggle of nation-states to regulate digital behaviour that transcends borders. 

If successful, the measures could serve as a template for other governments grappling with illegal online gambling. 

If not, it may highlight the stark limits of state power in governing a truly borderless virtual economy.