Japan Adopts UK App to Combat Rising Gambling Addiction
Rising Concern Over Gambling Addiction in Japan
In early 2025, alarming reports highlighted a significant surge in online gambling addiction cases across Japan. The Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction revealed a staggering elevenfold increase in individuals seeking help over the previous year, signaling a growing public health concern.
Current Situation and Upcoming Casino Developments
Despite awareness efforts, the issue has not improved as Japan, with a population exceeding 122 million as of 2026, prepares to accept new bids for casino resort developments. This escalation has intensified the urgency to find effective methods for controlling gambling addiction in the country.
A British Solution: The Gamban App
To address this challenge, a UK-developed application known as Gamban has been introduced in Japan. This innovative software restricts access to gambling websites and applications, aiming to reduce illegal gambling activities and help curb addiction. Gamban blocks over 360,000 gambling domains and apps across devices, with new sites continuously added daily.
Features and Benefits of the App
Beyond blocking access, Gamban encourages users by showing them the time and money saved by avoiding gambling. It also connects users to support services available within their regions, providing a comprehensive tool for addiction management.
Global Reach and Local Support
Worldwide, Gamban has attracted close to half a million registered users, with around 100,000 actively engaging with its features. The app has gained strong endorsements from regulators and licensed operators in regions such as Ohio and several European countries including the UK, Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands.
Accessibility and Affordability
To ensure accessibility, especially for those burdened with debt from gambling, Gamban is subsidized and offered free of charge in many areas. Normally, the app’s subscription costs approximately 5,250 Japanese Yen (about 33.48 USD) annually, which could be prohibitive for struggling individuals.
Challenges in Implementation
As noted by Gamban’s co-founder Matt Zarb-Cousin, a key challenge lies in making the software tamper-proof to prevent users from bypassing its restrictions. This difficulty highlights the complexity involved in creating effective technological solutions for gambling addiction.
