Key Moments
- Gamban launched a Japanese-language website and onboarding system to improve access for local users.
- The app now blocks more than 360,000 gambling domains and applications, with around 300 new sites added daily.
- Japan’s Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction fully subsidizes Gamban, although funding limits wider adoption.
Localization and Accessibility Efforts
Gamban, a UK-developed software that blocks illegal gambling content, has launched a Japanese-language platform. The move responds to Japan’s growing struggle with online gambling addiction. Previously, language barriers limited adoption, even though the app has been available in Japan since September.
However, the new website and sign-up process aim to remove that obstacle. Campaigners believe native-language support will significantly improve access. As a result, preventative tools may reach users who previously struggled to engage. This shift is especially important as enforcement against illegal gambling remains weak.
Features and User Impact
Gamban operates across all major devices and blocks access to gambling websites and applications. Currently, the app restricts more than 360,000 unauthorized domains. Moreover, developers add roughly 300 new sites every day to keep pace with emerging threats.
The software resists uninstallation, which helps users stay committed during recovery. In addition, Gamban tracks time and money saved by avoiding gambling. It also directs users to local support services. Globally, nearly 500,000 people have registered, while active users exceed 100,000.
Financial Considerations and Regulatory Collaboration
Several governments and state-backed gambling operators subsidize Gamban for users. These include authorities in the UK, Norway, and Finland. As a result, users in those countries can access the service at no cost.
Nevertheless, Gamban’s standard subscription costs £25 (€29) per year. Advocates argue this fee remains too high for individuals already burdened by gambling-related debt. In Japan, the Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction currently covers this cost.
So far, around 90 Japanese users have enrolled through the nonprofit. Noriko Tanaka, the organization’s head and a former gambling addict, describes the app as “extremely effective.” However, she stresses that limited funding restricts broader expansion.
Japan’s Battle Against Illegal Online Gambling
These harm-reduction efforts come as illegal online gambling remains widespread in Japan. Although the law bans online casinos, participation continues to rise. According to the National Police Agency, about 3.37 million residents have used illegal gambling services.
Meanwhile, roughly two million users remain active. Together, they wager an estimated ¥1.24 trillion (€7.9bn) each year. This scale highlights the limits of enforcement alone.
In September 2025, Japan strengthened its anti-gambling addiction law. The amendments banned online casino operations and advertising, including on social media. However, enforcement remains difficult. Many platforms operate overseas, especially from Curaçao, Malta, and Costa Rica.
Additionally, virtual private networks allow users to bypass restrictions. As a result, regulators struggle to block access effectively. Campaigners also report rising participation among minors, students, and even police officers. Misleading ads that imply legality further increase risks for younger users.
Government Response and Future Outlook
In March 2025, Japan’s cabinet approved a three-year national plan to combat gambling addiction. The initiative focuses on education, stricter oversight, and expanded support services.
However, the framework does not formally include prevention software like Gamban. Even so, advocates argue such tools are essential. They believe digital barriers can succeed where regulation alone has fallen short.
| Key Data Points | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocked Gambling Domains/Apps | 360,000+ |
| Active Users Worldwide | 100,000+ |
| Annual Subscription Cost | £25 (€29) |
| Estimated Illicit Gambling Users in Japan | 3.37 million |
| Total Annual Wagering (Japan) | ¥1.24 trillion (€7.9bn) |
- Author
Daniel Williams
