WILLEMSTAD – The Japanese government has recently taken stronger action against online gambling by explicitly banning advertising and promotion of illegal online gaming. As part of this crackdown, eight jurisdictions, including Curaçao, have been formally asked to blacklist gambling websites that target Japanese players. 

Japan amended its criminal code to clearly classify the promotion and advertisement of unlicensed online gambling as explicitly illegal. In addition to tightening its domestic regulations, Tokyo has reached out to foreign jurisdictions—Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Malta, Anjouan, Curaçao, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar—urging them to shut down access to online casinos catering to Japanese users. 

Curaçao Highlighted in Japanese Investigation 

A Japanese government investigation found that more than two-thirds of the 40 online casinos operating in Japanese were licensed in Curaçao. This revelation has prompted Japan to specifically call on the Curaçao government to take action by blocking or revoking access for these operators. 

Japan’s cabinet stated it hopes Curaçao will cooperate with efforts to curb illegal gambling targeting Japanese citizens. 

Curaçao’s Position Unclear 

It remains uncertain whether Curaçao will comply with Japan’s request. In March 2024, the then-Gaming Control Board—now operating as the Curaçao Gaming Authority—declared that no country-specific bans were in place for its license holders. 

However, the regulator emphasized that licensees are expected to make “reasonable efforts” to comply with the laws of the countries where they operate. 

This new request from Japan puts additional pressure on Curaçao, which has long been under international scrutiny for its online gambling regime. The development may test the island’s regulatory reforms and its willingness to align with global enforcement trends against unlicensed and cross-border gambling.