Young Boy Referred for Treatment After Months of Online Gambling
A 13-year-old boy from Kanagawa Prefecture has been referred to a child guidance center after engaging in online gambling for several months using his parents’ funds. Authorities express concern over the increasing prevalence of offshore casinos, which often lack proper identification checks, thus exposing minors to significant risks.
Offshore Gambling’s Risks in Japan
The regulated gambling industry is known for its customer protections, including stringent ID checks and tools designed to promote responsible gambling. In stark contrast, offshore operators frequently operate without such safeguards, placing players at risk. In Japan, where online gambling remains largely prohibited, some individuals opt to gamble on unregulated offshore sites, leading to troubling situations like that of this young boy.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the boy had been gambling for over six months, initially using his allowance before tapping into his parents’ finances. Between January and July 2023, he accessed an offshore gambling website approximately 7,000 times. The young gambler admitted to using a smartphone given to him by his parents and utilized PayPal to purchase Litecoin for wagering.
The boy revealed that his interest in online gambling stemmed from news coverage he had seen. The offshore casino in question allowed him to bypass age verification processes, enabling him to continue gambling without restrictions.
Concerns Over Child Gambling and New Regulations
In August 2023, authorities referred the boy to a child guidance center, highlighting the alarming lack of protective measures against underage gambling on offshore websites. Police officials are increasingly worried about the potential harm these platforms can inflict on impressionable youths.
As Japan grapples with the challenges posed by online gambling, the government has begun implementing new regulations aimed at curbing illegal gambling activities. These measures target individuals and entities involved in promoting and facilitating illicit iGaming operations.
In a related incident, a Tokyo court recently sentenced a former bank manager to nine years in prison after she was found guilty of stealing gold bars and cash valued at nearly $2.6 million. Reports indicate that her criminal activities were motivated by substantial debts incurred through gambling on horse racing and foreign currency trading.
The case of the Kanagawa boy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with unregulated online gambling, particularly for minors. As authorities strive to enhance protections, the need for comprehensive regulations is more pressing than ever.
