A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers has formally reaffirmed its opposition to legalizing sports betting, citing concerns over fraud, match-fixing and the rapid rise of illegal online gambling. The stance was confirmed during a directors' meeting at the Diet Building, according to The Yomiuri Shimbun.
The interparty group, chaired by former Prime Minister Taro Aso, unanimously agreed that sports betting should remain banned. Members said the risks posed by criminal networks, combined with how easily athletes can now be contacted through social media, make legalization untenable.
To strengthen oversight, the group has formed a new team dedicated to combating match-fixing and other fraudulent activity. Former Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita will chair the team, which is expected to begin legislative discussions early next year. Lawmakers said they will examine international models such as the Council of Europe's Macolin Convention, which promotes cooperation against sports-competition manipulation.
Illegal sports wagering has surged through foreign platforms offering Japanese-language services. According to the Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion, at least JP¥6.5trn was wagered in 2024 on offshore sites, with many users reportedly unaware that gambling through such channels is illegal.
Lawmakers highlighted recent scandals underscoring the need for stronger safeguards. These included the seven-year global ban imposed on former J.League player Riku Danzaki, who was found guilty in Australia of intentionally committing fouls for financial gain, and the high-profile case involving Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who is now serving a prison sentence over a separate gambling scandal.
At a symposium in Tokyo, sports officials warned that foreign criminal groups are manipulating competitions in dozens of countries. Toshiaki Endo, former minister for the Tokyo Olympics, called for strengthened protections for athletes and judges, while Nippon Professional Baseball commissioner Sadayuki Sakakibara described illegal sports gambling as a serious threat to public trust.
Lawmakers said their objective is to create an environment where fraudulent conduct "cannot occur," ensuring the integrity of Japanese sport remains intact.
Sports betting is prohibited in Japan under the Penal Code except for publicly run horse, bicycle, boat and motorcycle racing
