Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 24 Week of 21 July 2025
(1) Consumer groups urge tech-driven crackdown on illegal e‑gambling instead of total ban
Consumer groups in the Philippines are urging smarter tech-based regulation of online gambling to prevent cybercrime and protect users, rather than imposing a full ban.
(2) Malaysia moves to modernise gambling laws
Malaysia is updating its gambling laws to tackle remote gambling, with tougher penalties and expanded enforcement powers.
(3) Japan to enforce removal of offshore casino sites targeting local users
Japan will begin enforcing new laws from 25 September 2025 to block offshore online casino sites and related promotions targeting Japanese users.
(4) South Korean Regulator to Punish Payment Gateway Firms Over ‘Illegal Casino Links’
South Korea’s financial regulator has accused six payment gateway firms of enabling illegal gambling and fraud, and is pursuing strict penalties and tighter oversight.
(1) Consumer groups urge tech-driven crackdown on illegal e‑gambling instead of total ban
(Photo Credit: Inquirer stock)
Consumer groups in the Philippines have urged the government to adopt smarter, technology-based strategies to tackle illegal online gambling, warning that a total ban could drive the industry underground and make it harder to regulate. They stressed that many gambling sites operate offshore and can easily reappear under new domains, making enforcement difficult and raising cybersecurity risks.
Instead of banning all online gambling, the groups called for stronger digital oversight and the use of financial technology tools like e-wallets to detect suspicious behaviour. These platforms, used daily by millions, could help flag underage users, frequent betting and unusual account activity, allowing regulators to act more quickly and effectively.
The advocates also cautioned that removing legitimate, regulated platforms could push users toward unsafe and unmonitored sites. They urged lawmakers to reconsider proposed bans and focus on building a data-driven regulatory system that targets illegal operators while protecting consumers and supporting lawful businesses.
News Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/24/news/consumer-groups-urge-tech-driven-crackdown-on-illegal-e-gambling-instead-of-total-ban/2155184
(2) Malaysia moves to modernise gambling laws
(Photo Credit: Focus Asia Pacific)
Malaysian authorities have proposed 12 amendments to update the country’s outdated gambling laws, originally enacted in 1953. The changes aim to address the rise of remote gambling by formally including it in legal definitions and introducing tougher penalties. Individual players could face fines of up to MYR100,000 and six months in jail, while operators may be fined up to MYR1 million and jailed for up to 12 months.
The reforms would also give more power to enforcement agencies, allowing the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the deputy public prosecutor to block gambling websites and freeze related bank transactions. Electronic documents would be accepted as evidence in court, making it easier to prosecute digital offences.
Since 2019, Operation Dadu, a nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling launched in 2019, has led to nearly 42,937 raids and almost 59,815 arrests in a nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling. Between 2021 and May 2025, police submitted over 4,200 requests to block gambling websites, highlighting the growing challenge of regulating online platforms under current laws.
News Source: https://focusgn.com/asia-pacific/malaysia-moves-to-modernise-gambling-laws
(3) Japan to enforce removal of offshore casino sites targeting local users
(Photo Credit: Yogonet)
Japan is preparing to enforce new laws targeting offshore online gambling, affecting an estimated annual betting market of ¥1.2 trillion. From 25 September 2025, the National Police Agency will begin issuing takedown requests to overseas casino websites and advertisers that promote gambling to Japanese users. The revised Basic Law on Measures Against Gambling Addiction, enacted in June 2025, makes it illegal to operate or advertise such platforms in Japan, even if they are hosted abroad.
Authorities estimate that around 3.37 million people in Japan have accessed online casino sites, with over 70% placing bets. The Internet Hotline Centre will expand its monitoring to include gambling-related content, such as websites, videos and promotional materials.
To support enforcement, the police are revising operational guidelines and conducting cyber patrols to identify new platforms. The campaign will target both domestic and international operators, aiming to remove content that encourages gambling among Japanese users. The initiative marks a significant shift in Japan’s approach to regulating online gambling and protecting consumers.
News Source: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/07/21/111889-japan-to-enforce-removal-of-offshore-casino-sites-targeting-local-users
(4) South Korean Regulator to Punish Payment Gateway Firms Over ‘Illegal Casino Links’
(Photo Credit: Ben Kim)
South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service has accused six payment gateway providers of enabling illegal activities, including gambling, voice phishing and drug transactions. These companies allegedly allowed criminal organisations to use their platforms freely, becoming direct participants in fraud and embezzlement. The regulator uncovered the misconduct through routine analysis of transaction data and followed up with on-site inspections.
One firm reportedly provided accounts to groups running illegal gambling sites disguised as e-commerce platforms, while another manipulated sales data using shell companies. The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has referred several cases to prosecutors, who may seek prison sentences of up to 30 years. In response, the regulator plans to upgrade its monitoring systems and increase inspections to detect suspicious activity more quickly.
The FSS also intends to work closely with law enforcement and push for legislative reforms to strengthen its ability to crack down on offenders. Most gambling remains illegal in South Korea, except for limited betting at racecourses, sports pools and the High1 casino in Gangwon Province, which is the only venue that admits local domestic passport holders.
News Source: https://casinobeats.com/2025/07/24/south-korean-regulator-to-punish-payment-gateway-firms-over-illegal-casino-links/
