Japan’s National Police Agency estimates that 3.37 million people gamble at offshore online casinos, including 180,000 aged 10–19. The agency said 70% of the minors it interviewed reported becoming addicted; the report describes this amid a wider crackdown on online gambling.
The estimates underline the scale of underage participation relevant to enforcement and prevention efforts in Japan.
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South Korea’s Korea Gambling Control Commission data put the illegal gambling market at about 96 trillion won, or $65 billion, according to lawmaker Jeon Yong-gi. The commission also reported that 4% of under-18s had used illegal gambling sites or bet offline; the National Police Agency said youth gambling cases rose 62% last year.
Japan’s National Police Agency recorded 317 arrests related to online gambling in 2025, the highest annual figure since 2018. An agency official said more people recognise that online gambling is illegal, but further measures are needed; police will continue efforts to prevent people from accessing online casinos.
A study published by lawmaker Seo Young-kyo, using data from South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the National Police Agency, reported that 669 teenagers admitted illegal online gambling in 2024, up from 170 in 2023. The ministry said the survey’s reliability was low; 33 young people used its treatment camp programme in 2024, compared with 25 in 2023.
Japan’s Upper House passed amendments banning advertisements and promotions for overseas gambling sites, including social media posts and ranking pages. The rules are expected to take effect three months after their official announcement; they introduce no new criminal penalties but enable faster removal of violating content.
Scott Bright filed a lawsuit against Kalshi in King County Superior Court, alleging the platform violated Washington's online gambling ban. His complaint says he lost $308,781.62 between 17 June and 14 August 2026; Kalshi has sought dismissal and argues its event contracts are regulated under federal law and that counterparties, not the company, received his losses.
Scott Bright has sued Kalshi in Washington, alleging that its prediction market violated the state's online gambling ban. Kalshi has sought to dismiss the case.