The Japan Financial Services Agency marked Gambling Addiction Awareness Week, which runs from May 14 to May 20 each year, by directing people with gambling-related financial problems to the multiple debt consultation service and the loan self-restraint system. The notice highlights gambling addiction as a mental health condition that can lead to loss of control, debt and wider family and social problems, and urges people facing financial difficulties linked to gambling to seek help early. The multiple debt consultation desks accept cases involving debts caused by gambling and can refer users to specialist support bodies. The loan self-restraint system, run by the Japan Money Lenders Association and the Japanese Bankers Association, allows individuals to block new borrowing for spending and gambling by filing with either the Japan Money Lenders Association or the National Bank Personal Credit Information Center. The agency also pointed readers to related awareness materials and support resources from other public bodies and industry associations.
Japan Financial Services Agency2026-05-14
Japan Financial Services Agency promotes debt consultation and loan self-restraint system during Gambling Addiction Awareness Week
The Japan Financial Services Agency marked Gambling Addiction Awareness Week by directing individuals with gambling-related financial problems to multiple debt consultation services and the loan self-restraint system. The agency emphasized that gambling addiction can cause loss of control, debt and wider social issues, and urged early use of consultation desks and self-restraint mechanisms, which allow individuals to block new borrowing for spending and gambling.