Japan’s Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry is considering allowing all lottery tickets to be sold online from next year, according to a report in the Yomiuri Shimbun.
While proposed casino legislation hangs in the balance due to widespread public opposition and concerns over ever-tightening restrictions likely to be placed on operators, lottery remains a popular activity across Japan with 20 major cities currently allowed to sell tickets.
Around 40% of profits are used to support local communities, including public works and welfare projects.
Ticket sales have plummeted in recent years, down from ¥1.105 trillion in 2005 to ¥845 billion in 2016 but the National Autonomous Lottery Council said it expects a significant positive impact on sales of lottery tickets if customers are able to purchase them on their smartphones.
At present, only around 40% of all types of lottery tickets can be purchased online, with online sales entrusted to five banks including Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. As reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun, “A full-scale introduction of online sales will require operators to come up with ways to maintain existing outlets and a system to prevent personal information from being compromised. The ministry and municipalities will discuss these details.”
