Gamban launches in Japan as online casinos surge in popularity
Despite gambling being illegal in Japan, consultation requests for gambling addiction have increased 11-fold in five years.
Key points:
– Gamban has been translated into Japanese and will be accessible through a Japanese-facing website
– The site will offer blocking software and up-to-date information for players
– A recent study found that 3.37 million Japanese people used offshore online casinos in 2025
Gamban has launched in Japan following extensive translation efforts by teams based in Tokyo.
The new service will allow users to self-exclude themselves from gambling sites, as well as provide up-to-date information regarding the ever-changing Japanese gambling landscape.
One of the most recent changes will come into effect 25 September, which will see Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) targeting online casinos as part of the revised basic law on gambling addiction measures.
Gamban emphasised the importance of removing barriers and accessibility issues when it comes to providing help to people in need.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, Gamban Co-Founder, said: “We are committed to not only translating but also localising Gamban so it looks and feels familiar to people, wherever they might be.
“Our mission is not only to make blocking software as good as it can be, but also as accessible as possible.”
When it came to translating the services and signposting what would be the most important services for Japanese players, Gamban received input and support from organisations such as The Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction.
Noriko Tanaka, The Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction Representative, said: “We are a Japanese private organisation that supports people with gambling addiction and their families.
“Through this collaboration with Gamban, we expect to be able to further support the recovery of those with addiction by using a cutting-edge app that has never been available in Japan before.”
Good to know: Most forms of gambling are banned in Japan under the Criminal Code chapter 23, although there are some exceptions
A recent poll showed that 40% of users believe that online casinos are legal, and that 3.37 million of Japanese players used offshore online casinos.
Out of these, around two million active users wager around JPN 630,000 ($4,302) per person per year.
Earlier in the year, the Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction released figures showing that requests for help have increased 11-fold in five years, with 91 cases reported in 2024.
However, as gambling is still very stigmatised in the country, there can be issues when it comes to accessing practical help.
Gamban is also available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Dutch, Norwegian, and Finnish.
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
