Group raises alarm over Japans growing challenge in online gambling addiction??
Online gambling addiction has become an escalating issue in Japan, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset in 2020. According to the Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction, a Tokyo-based organisation, consultation requests have increased dramatically, rising 11-fold over the past five years. This surge reflects the broader impact of online gambling on individuals and families across the country.
The association said the accessibility of online 바카라s through smartphones has contributed to the problem. Their constant availability allows users to gamble at any time from the comfort of their homes. Between January and November 2024, 91 cases of family members struggling with online gambling were reported to the association, compared to only eight in 2019. It added that the accessibility and anonymity of these platforms have made gambling an all-consuming activity for many, leading to concerning social consequences.
Criminal behaviours linked to addiction
Addiction to online gambling has driven some individuals to commit criminal acts. A survey by the association revealed that 30 percent of respondents reported family members engaging in crimes such as embezzlement, theft, or illegal employment through yami baito, a black-market platform.
A particularly troubling case involved a young man whose gambling addiction began with pachinko in high school. Over the years, he resorted to extorting money from his mother, eventually accumulating JPY10 million (61,240). Despite her support, he applied for an illegal job and was arrested for robbery resulting in injury.
Families bear the burden
The report also revealed that the emotional and financial toll of gambling addiction extends beyond individuals to their families. Parents, spouses, and siblings often struggle to support their loved ones, even as addiction leads to destructive behaviours. Experts warn that as addiction progresses, individuals lose control over their actions, causing harm to themselves and those around them.
Calls for stronger regulation
The association has urged authorities to intensify their crackdown on illegal online 바카라s and related payment services. It believes stricter regulations and enforcement are essential to curb the proliferation of these platforms and reduce the harm they cause.
A broader global concern
Japans challenges echo those seen in other countries. In South Korea, for instance, the number of teenagers dealing with gambling addiction has more than doubled in recent years, with online 바카라 participation soaring 14-fold. Efforts to address the issue remain ongoing, but the severity of the problem highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to gambling addiction.??
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