In a notable move, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recently took action by referring a 13-year-old boy from Kanagawa Prefecture to a child guidance center after uncovering his extensive history with online gambling. Between January and July 2025, the boy allegedly accessed an overseas online casino site approximately 7,000 times, drawing attention to the increasing exposure of minors to inadequately regulated gambling environments.
The investigation revealed the boy’s progression from initially using his allowance to engaging in more substantial gambling activities, financed by approximately ¥260,000 (US$1,700) in Litecoin. This cryptocurrency was acquired through PayPay’s payment platform, which allows for currency-to-cryptocurrency exchanges with minimal identity verification requirements. This loophole enabled the boy to easily fund his gambling account by providing false age information to create his online casino profile. The shortcomings in the platform’s age verification processes were heavily criticized by the MPD, who stressed that such deficiencies significantly lower the barrier for minors seeking access to online gambling sites.
The MPD reported that the boy ultimately lost all the funds he had converted into cryptocurrency. Authorities have identified a worrying trend, noting an increase in child participation in online gambling. This is largely attributed to insufficient regulatory measures and the ease of access provided by modern electronic payment systems. The department’s cybercrime unit indicated that the boy’s interest in online gambling was sparked through exposure to news reports, pointing to the influential role that media and advertising play in encouraging gambling among young audiences.
Reflecting a broader pattern of concern, the MPD has also referred 14 other individuals aged 14 to 21 to prosecutors for various gambling-related offenses. Additionally, a 19-year-old student in Yokohama was arrested for assisting minors in setting up cryptocurrency accounts without proper registration, further enabling underage access to gambling services.
In response to these developments, authorities are ramping up efforts to raise awareness among families, educators, and community stakeholders about the serious consequences of underage gambling. The emphasis is on the urgent need for enhanced monitoring of children’s online activities and the implementation of stricter enforcement measures. This collective effort by Japanese citizens aims to safeguard vulnerable individuals from the dangers posed by online gambling.
Despite the legal prohibition of gambling by minors in Japan, challenges persist due to loopholes in online operations and cryptocurrency payment systems that regulators have yet to effectively address. The incident involving the boy from Kanagawa highlights the vulnerability of children in a digital landscape where online gambling is rapidly accessible, facilitated by inadequate age verification protocols and difficult-to-track digital payments.
The Tokyo Police have issued a stark warning, emphasizing that without decisive actions and heightened societal vigilance, there is a significant risk that minors will develop problematic gambling habits. To combat this emerging public safety issue in Japan’s digital age, the focus must be on implementing tighter regulations, ensuring enhanced compliance by online platforms, and investing in public education.
This situation underscores the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to protect children from the harmful effects of online gambling. It calls for a concerted effort from regulatory bodies, industry players, and the community at large to develop robust systems capable of preventing underage access and promoting responsible gambling behaviors. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of technological advancements and emerging threats will be crucial in safeguarding future generations from the risks associated with online gambling.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.
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