Key Moments:
- Approximately 500 attendees from Japan and the UK gathered in Tokyo to address growing concerns about youth gambling linked to digital platforms.
- Younger individuals in their 20s and 30s made up 78 percent of those seeking help for gambling addiction in 2023, up from 64 percent in 2019.
- Annual illegal betting on overseas sports by residents in Japan is estimated at JPY6.5 trillion (€37.3 billion).
Call for Collaboration on Youth Gambling Prevention
An international event on gambling addiction convened in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, bringing together specialists, family members, and advocates from Japan and the United Kingdom. Emphasis was placed on the ease of accessing gambling through smartphones, sparking debates about the need for updated strategies to prevent addiction, especially among the youth who face heightened risks.
とあるギャン妻
@mikigyantuma
·
4h
Online casino & sports betting users are heavily targeted and designed to become addicted.
Youth gambling is rising, leading to suicides. We must change this reality.
#GamblingwithLives
#ギャンブル依存症自死遺族会
#ギャンブル依存症対策日英国際カンファレンス
Personal Stories and Societal Impact
Family members shared accounts of the devastating impact of gambling addiction. Their testimonies highlighted that the burden should not fall solely on individuals, but should be addressed collectively by society, industry, and government. Participants urged broader cooperation to tackle hidden costs before they escalate.
Trends in Gambling and the COVID-19 Effect
A Japanese nonprofit, the Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction, has consistently reported an increase in problematic gambling behaviors among young people. The rise in remote work and digital engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a noticeable uptick in both sports and online betting.
Scale of Illegal Betting & International Agreements
The conference shed light on the magnitude of illegal wagering on overseas sports by people in Japan, currently estimated at JPY6.5 trillion (€37.3 billion) each year. The role of international treaties, such as the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention, was discussed. While European nations have ratified this convention, Japan has not. Attendees advocated for the government to consider joining this agreement to combat cross-border betting challenges.
Alarming Statistics Among Younger Populations
Surveys from the Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction indicate a sharp rise in younger individuals seeking support. In 2023, 78 percent of help-seekers were in their 20s and 30s, up from 64 percent in 2019. Consultations related to online betting accounted for more than 20 percent of cases. Additionally, counseling for motorboat-related betting rose to 28 percent, and cases related to bicycle racing increased to 18.2 percent, showing that both digital and traditional betting forms remain influential.
| Year | Help-Seekers in 20s/30s (%) | Online Betting Consultations (%) | Motorboat Betting Consultations (%) | Bicycle Racing Consultations (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 64 | – | – | – |
| 2023 | 78 | >20 | 28 | 18.2 |
Debt and Unlawful Practices Highlight Financial Dangers
In 2023, the average debt per gambling addict reached JPY8.55 million (€50,174). Consultations revealed that nearly 30 percent involved illegal activities, such as borrowing from unapproved lenders or engaging in theft from either family members or workplaces. These trends are raising alarms not only about health but also about social and legal security.
The Path Forward for Regulation
Japan plans to open its first casino resort in Osaka by 2030, with a consortium led by MGM Resorts and Orix overseeing the project. Concerns remain among advocacy groups that without stringent regulatory measures, the arrival of integrated resorts could further exacerbate gambling addiction—particularly among young, digitally engaged populations.
- Author
Daniel Williams
