Many Japanese residents like to indulge in various gambling activities but unfortunately, the authorities adopted a very strict approach towards this recreational activity until recently. With time passing, the situation started to take a new turn and currently, Japan is taking steps to regulate its gambling market.
According to statistics, the Japanese market has great potential. Industry insiders project that it will become the third largest in the world, after Macau and the USA. It is estimated that the Japanese casino market will generate $8 billion in gross gaming revenues yearly.
Gambling in Japan
Japan has a fantastic history when it comes to gambling that can be traced as far back as 685 AD. Evidence shows that Emperor Temmu was fond of a dice game also known as sugo-roku. Later on, the game was prohibited by his successor Empress Jito. However, gambling did not disappear from this majestic country.
Unfortunately, since 1907 gambling in Japan is illegal. The country has always been very strict when it comes to games based on chance. In that sense, people were allowed to place bets only on horse riding and bicycle racing. Later on, Japanese residents could wager also on motorbiking and boat racing that were included in the list of the “Public Sports”.
This, on the other hand, gave rise to a huge number of illegal gambling venues related to the criminal organization Yakuza. Needless to say, the Japanese Treasury did not benefit in any way from these under-the-counter gambling activities. Currently, the Japanese gambling market is governed by Article 185 of the country’s Penal Code.
Legal Gambling Activities in Japan
As for now, there are several games and sports events that are regulated and players are allowed to place wagers on them. In the lines below, we will cast some light on them.
- Racing – bets on horse racing matches, a bicycle or car race, and even boat racings are legal in Japan.
- Lottery – the lottery system has been legalized over the past ten years. Japanese residents can buy lottery tickets from every sanctioned lottery booth. This gambling niche is currently governed by a company called Toto.
- Pachinko – this is one of the most popular games in Japan. There are over 10,000 pachinko parlors across Japan. As for now, the game is not regulated by the government, but winnings are paid out in “pachinko balls” which you can exchange for prizes or goods. This game has an exceptional status as it is considered to be a leisure activity instead of gambling.
Casinos in Japan are Imminent
Regulating the gambling market in Japan was and still is one of the most discussed topics. In December 2016, the Japanese government passed a bill also known as the Bill Promoting Implementation of Specified Integrated Resort Areas that paved the way for regulating the gambling market. Giant operators such as Las Vegas’ MGM Resorts International has been eyeing the opportunity to set foot on the Japanese gambling market for long.
Under this bill, individuals can indulge in casino gambling activities only at integrated resorts. What is more, it states that only three licenses will be initially issued and operators will need to pay a 30% gaming tax. The bill also states that the gaming areas cannot exceed 3% of the total resort floor space. Japanese visitors will need to pay an entry fee and they will not be allowed to visit the resorts more than three times a week and ten times per month.
Online Gambling in Japan
In case you are wondering if placing bets at a web-based casino is legal, the answer is no. Unfortunately, online gambling is also not regulated. However, there is a good-enough number of offshore licensed interactive casinos that accept players from Japan. The law does not target players, so even if you decide to play at a gaming site, you will not be arrested for your activity. It is important to mention that the Japan Racing Association offers certain online betting options but only to players that subscribed to it. In other words, there is no web-based casino that operates within the Japanese borders.
Japanese-Friendly Payment Methods
Nowadays, most of the virtual casinos employ diverse payment solutions aiming at providing convenience at a maximum level. Casino enthusiasts can make deposits and withdrawals via the method they are most familiar with or they are already using. Usually, virtual casinos feature some globally accepted and proven payment solutions.
When choosing which payment method to use, keep in mind that some of the options support only deposits. If you are a Japanese resident and you are wondering which is the best choice for you, read the lines below where we will discuss the pros and cons of various payment solutions:
Cryptocurrency
There are different cryptocurrencies, but undoubtedly Bitcoin is the most popular of all. Some casinos even offer payments only via cryptocurrencies as there are no bank charges. What is more, payments are processed promptly – deposits are instant and withdrawals take no more than 24 hours following the casino’s approval. In addition to that, players do not need to disclose any bank details to the casino operator.
To encourage casino enthusiasts to make use of the cryptocurrencies, some gaming sites feature lucrative bonuses for players who make crypto payments.
Credit/Debit Card
Japanese casino fans can use their Visa or Mastercard to upload funds to their gaming accounts. It is important to explain that Mastercard is not always available for withdrawals due to legal specifications. So, we recommend you to carefully check the terms and conditions of the casino you consider to choose. Deposits are processed at the moment, while withdrawals can take up to 5 business days.
Web Wallets
E-Wallets exploded in popularity due to their promptness and low fees. Withdrawals are cleared within 24 hours and deposits are processed in a snap. Some of the most popular e-Wallets available to the residents of Japan include Venus Point, iWallet, and EcoPayz. The big benefit of using e-Wallets is that you do not need to provide bank details. Another reason to use an e-Wallet to top up your account or withdraw funds is the high-security level.
Bonuses and Promotions for Japanese Players
1Overview
You might come across web-based casinos that offer similar games and payment methods, but the bonuses are what sets each gaming site apart from the others. Always select a casino that offers various promotions available to new registrants and already existing players. The VIP program is yet another benefit that can boost your winning chances.
But do not forget that each casino promotion comes with certain wagering requirements. Even if some promotion looks lucrative, its wagering requirements might be huge. In that sense, always check the bonus terms carefully and decide if the bonuses are worth claiming them.
2Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are offered to newcomers who set up an account at a certain casino and make a minimum deposit. The sign-up promotions might come in the form of a deposit match bonus, free spins, or both. What is more, some might even cover your first three, four, or even five consecutive deposits.
Usually, the Welcome Bonus is the most generous, so players are advised to benefit from it. It is important to mention that this bonus is available only once upon registration. Players should keep in mind that the deposit funds are not valid for all different types of casino games.
3No Deposit Bonuses
By offering no deposit bonuses, the casino operator is trying to whet the appetite of new players. These incentives do not require any deposit and allow you to play for free at a certain gaming site. What is laudable here is that you can even win real money with it. It is important to mention that these no deposit bonuses can be used on a particular game.
What is more, to withdraw your earnings, you need to clear the wagering requirements associated with the incentive. Another important thing to mention is that casinos that offer such promotions usually set a limit on the maximum cashout you can withdraw.
4Sticky Bonuses vs No-Sticky Bonuses
Sticky bonuses are not cashable. You can play with them, but you cannot withdraw the bonus funds you received from claiming the incentive. On the other hand, you can pull out your winnings in case you comply with the bonus terms. No-sticky bonuses are the ones that you can withdraw together with the profits you accumulated thanks to them.
5Payment Method Bonuses
Some casino operators that would like to promote a certain payment method offer a special incentive in case you make your deposit via this method. Most often you will see special promotions for cryptocurrency users. Since we are on the matter, we must note that some casinos do not allow players who deposited via specific certain payment options to benefit from the available bonuses.
6Loyalty Programs
Japanese players who have been loyal to a certain casino will be able to benefit from a VIP program in case the operator offers it. Such loyalty programs come with various perks. Depending on the amount you wager, you will receive comp points. These comp points can be exchanged for free cash for playing at the casino or for other prizes. Some casinos require you to apply for the VIP program, while others automatically include you in it. The more points you accumulate, the higher VIP level you will reach.
Casino Terms and Key Notions
Prior to claiming a bonus, it is essential to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions associated with it. To make life easier, we will explain some of the key notions you need to keep in mind.
- Minimum deposit – it is the minimum amount of money players are required to deposit to their gambling accounts to claim a deposit bonus. It is important to note that the minimum deposit to qualify for a certain promotion might be higher than the minimum deposit to start playing at a certain gaming site.
- Validity period – when you claim some promotion you should know that you will need to clear the wagering requirements within a specified time frame. In case you fail to do so, your bonus funds and the winnings associated with the bonus will be forfeited.
- Playthrough/wagering requirements/rollover – this is the number of times you need to wager the bonus funds. Players should keep in mind that the playthrough might apply to the total sum of the bonus and the deposit. As long as a bonus is active and you are working your way through the wagering requirements, your earnings will be stored in a bonus balance and you will not be able to withdraw them before you clear the wagering requirements.
- Game weighting – not all games contribute equally towards the playthrough. Usually, table games such as roulette and blackjack contribute less than slot games. Generally speaking, it is the percentage of the bets you make that will count towards the playthrough.
- Maximum bet size – when you activate a bonus and start working on clearing the wagering requirements, you should keep in mind that the casino allows players to place bets up to a certain amount. This is called a maximum bet size. In case you go over the set maximum bet size, the casino has the right to forfeit the bonus and the profits associated with it. The maximum bet size is designed to prevent casino operators from bonus abusers.
Popular Software Providers
When choosing a web-based casino to play at, we always recommend our readers to have a look at the software providers that power a certain gaming site. Namely, the software companies give life to the casinos. No online casino develops its own games. Instead, the operators collaborate with various software companies to power the site’s gaming content. This, on the other hand, ensures that the casino operator has nothing to do with the outcomes of the games.
The software companies develop the games and decide what storylines, quality, and features to incorporate. Having some basic knowledge regarding the software brands that power a certain casino is beneficial for you in many ways. In the lines below we will discuss some of the most popular software providers.
Evolution Gaming
This software company is undoubtedly one of the most prominent among all others. Founded in 2006, the brand never stopped looking for ways to impress both casino operators and players. As for now, the company is extremely popular for its live dealer gaming suite. Being one of the top software companies, Evolution makes no compromise with the quality of the games.
What is more, the supplier develops its gaming content with mobile players in mind. Most of the titles, if not all of them, are compatible with various mobile devices. Evolution is fully licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority – one of the regulators with the highest standards.
NetEnt
Established as far back as 1996, NetEnt is a reputable software company that brags about its varied collection of games. However, the provider is specialized in developing first-class slots that are of peerless quality. It partners with a huge number of operators and its gaming products are quite popular among casino enthusiasts. Many web-based casinos targeting the Japanese market offer NetEnt’s titles to attract the players’ attention. The company received a license from the UK Gambling Commission.
Yggdrasil
Having been around since 2013, the company worked hard over the years to cement its position on the iGaming market. Currently, it is one of the most recognizable names. The company holds a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority. Thanks to its innovative approach, many casino operators decided to join hands with Yggdrasil and offer their gaming products.
Ezugi
It is specialized in developing live dealer games. This software company was founded in 2012 and it is dedicated to providing cutting edge gaming products. Ezugi is licensed in Curacao and its products are regularly checked by iTech Labs to ensure that the games are fair. Having in mind the company’s high-quality gaming portfolio, it comes as no surprise that a good-enough number of casino operators are partnering with Ezugi. What is most notable about Ezugi’s games is that they are available in various languages.
Play’n GO
The software company was unveiled in 2005 and currently it is among the giants on the iGaming market. Its slots selection is fantastic, featuring some of the hottest storylines and crisp graphics. The company is a licensee of the UK Gambling Commission. Play’n GO is dedicated to providing a safe and fun-filled gaming environment. The company’s products utilize the random number generator to ensure that the outcomes of the games are based on pure chance.
Top 10 Online Casinos in Japan
The iGaming market is flooded with various web-based casinos. Hence, it is not surprising that players might get confused when choosing an interactive casino to indulge in their favorite activities. Generally speaking, most of the gambling websites look pretty much alike – flashy signs, bonuses, and games. But in fact, you should focus on what lies beneath the surface in order to make the right choice.
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the casino’s license and which software companies power its gaming library. Afterwards, have a look at the available games and decide if these are sufficient enough to keep you entertained. The available promotions are also important as these will help you maximize your winning chances. We made a list of the 10 online casinos we consider to be the best choice for Japanese players.
CasiTabi Casino
CasiTabi Casino is a Japanese-friendly gaming site that offers a good-enough number of games. The casino’s portfolio spans across various game genres in order to fit the preferences of all casino enthusiasts. The website is designed in an easy-to-navigate way and the games are well organized according to their genre.
The casino operator joined hands with several prominent software providers, and namely Betsoft, Microgaming, Play’n GO, NetEnt, Relax Gaming, and others to ensure the first-class quality of its gaming library. The casino’s gaming catalog is comprised of slots, classic table games, and video poker.
This web-based casino was established in 2014 and it is licensed by the Government of Curacao. Apart from providing a safe gaming environment, the casino features mouth-watering bonuses and reasonable wagering requirements. The payment methods to be found at CasiTabi Casino are prompt and trustworthy. What is more, if you have some questions, you can get in touch with the professional customer support agents via live chat, by sending an email or over the phone.
LuckyNiki Casino
LuckyNiki Casino is inspired by the Japanese culture. The gambling website made a splash on the market in 2017 and currently, it brags about its extensive gaming portfolio that includes not only casino games but also sports betting. The casino’s gaming content is powered by high-profile software companies such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution, and others. The quality of the games is unsurpassed even if you decide to play via your smartphone or tablet.
LuckyNiki received a stamp of approval from the Maltese gambling regulator. The bountiful Welcome Bonus will provide new registrants with the opportunity to boost their bankroll with up to $100 and 25 free spins. The best part is that there are no wagering requirements related to the winnings accumulated from the free spins. There are other promotions up for grabs and the casino’s loyal patrons are able to enjoy LuckyNiki’s VIP Lounge. As far as payment methods are concerned, you will certainly find the best option for you.
Paiza Casino
Paiza Casino is a gambling site that will make you want to dive right into it the moment you see it. The casino features a simple and well-organized interface. In that way, you will quickly find what you are looking for. Paiza Casino was founded in 2016 with the main goal to provide a fair and enjoyable gaming atmosphere to players from Japan. Set to impress its fans, this virtual casino offers an abundant collection of games provided by software suppliers such as NetEnt, Quickspin, RTG, Play’n GO, Betsoft, Yggdrasil, and others.
Curacao Gaming Control Board is the regulator that authorized this casino to provide its gambling services. This casino also offers exciting promotions and bonuses that are available to newcomers and casino patrons. The payment methods are not particularly various but they offer safe and prompt transactions. The web-based casino also offers a customer support department that is available around-the-clock.
Cherry Casino
Cherry Casino was launched in 2000 with a bang. The casino’s fantastic user interface makes it extremely easy for casino enthusiasts to play even via handheld devices. The casino operator joined forces with some of the most reputable software providers such as NetEnt, NYX, Betsoft, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Quickspin, and others to make sure that its gaming portfolio features only the most sought-after titles.
Currently, Cherry Casino offers over 1,000 games, with slots having the strongest presence. This web-based casino has always been held in high regarding its generosity. The lucrative Welcome Bonus will help you to get on board at the casino. The gambling site is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority. In case you are a Japanese resident looking for a reliable online casino, we would say that Cherry Casino is a good choice.
Making deposits and requesting withdrawals is a breeze because the casino employs various hassle-free payment solutions. In case you have questions, you can reach the customer support department regardless of the time of the day.
Vera&John Casino
Vera&John Casino was founded in 2011 and over the years of experience, it managed to establish a solid reputation. The casino is regulated by the Swedish Gambling Authority Spelinspektionen. The interface of the casino is easy on the eyes and the predominant color is blue. This gambling website is full of top-tier casino games that are courtesy of providers such as Microgaming, Red Tiger, Yggdrasil, NetEnt, iSoftBet, Betsoft, Play’n GO, etc.
What is more, the majority of the games can be played via mobile devices that utilize Android and iOS. With such an abundant gaming portfolio, you will certainly find the game that most appeals to you. The succulent promotions will boost your bankroll and provide you with more time to play.
Vera&John supports several payment methods that will help you manage your funds in the easiest possible way. If you face any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact the customer support representatives.
Royal Panda
Royal Panda flaunts an extensive gaming portfolio that is comprised of various games. The web-based casino offers some exciting titles provided by top software providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, and others. What is more, the casino operator includes new games on a regular basis. From the latest slots to classic table games, Royal Panda has got it all covered.
For first time players, Royal Panda has a fantastic Welcome Bonus offer in place. Needless to say, there are other promotions designed to cater to the casino’s already existing players. However, do not forget that you need to take care of the wagering requirement.
The payment methods employed by this casino are flexible. Some of the payment solutions that you can use to top up your gaming account include credit/debit cards, e-Wallets, online banking, bank transfers, and others. The casino is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority. What is more, players are offered the opportunity to get in touch with the customer support representatives 24/7.
Wunderino Casino
Wunderino Casino was established in 2016 and it holds a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority. The casino operator caters to its much-appreciated fans by providing them with a good mix of first-string gaming titles, a high level of transparency, various payment solutions, and bountiful bonuses. The casino’s gaming library is courtesy of well-established software companies, and namely NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Quickspin, Play’n GO, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, etc.
In case you prefer to play on the move, the casino is available in an instant-play format. We must say that Wunderino Casino’s mobile version works perfectly on Android and iOS-based devices, but you can also download the dedicated apps from the official website of the casino.
Wunderino Casino offers a huge number of games across a wide range of categories, including slots, table games, live casino, and others. Additionally, this virtual casino supports a range of payment methods for quick deposits and withdrawals.
BitStarz Casino
BitStarz Casino is extremely popular among picky players who are looking for a variety of gaming options and interesting bonuses to benefit from. The casino operator collaborates with software companies such as NetEnt, Betsoft, Microgaming, Evolution, Play’n GO, Ezugi, Yggdrasil, and more that are in charge of BitStarz’ fantastic gaming portfolio.
BitStarz Casino is the home of all those casino games you like to play. Like most web-based casinos, slots make up the bulk of the available games. In addition to that, this casino offers a generous Welcome Bonus that will help you kick things off. There is also a variety of payment solutions, including cryptocurrency, e-Wallets, bank cards, online banking systems, etc.
If you are wondering whether the casino is safe, you might be interested to know that it is licensed by the Government of Curacao. Since its inception in 2014, the casino has never made a step backwards. The main reason for this is its individual approach to the needs of every player.
CasinoSecret
CasinoSecret has been treating its fans with a massive collection of games since 2018. The casino offers top-quality games that are courtesy of software companies such as NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Microgaming, Rival Gaming, Evolution Gaming, Wazdan, and others.
Players are provided with the opportunity to play various games, including slots, classic table games, jackpot games, and live dealer games. We must note that video poker is absent from the casino’s portfolio, but there are many other interesting games that are worth the players’ attention.
In addition to that, the casino rolls out the red carpet for its newly registered players who can benefit from the generous sign-up bonus. Casino patrons are also not left behind as there are several other incentives available for them. The casino provides its services thanks to a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority. To entice new players and retain the already existing ones, the casino features various bonuses
InterCasino
InterCasino is a reputable gambling website that was founded in 1996. Thanks to its vast experience, the casino operator knows how to please the needs of various players. Its extensive portfolio that is comprised of over 1,800 games is at the heart of the casino’s success. The operator partners with high-profile software providers, and namely Evolution, Quickspin, NetEnt, Yggdrasil, and others to ensure the top quality of its games. Mobile players are also taken care of as the casino is available in an instant-play format.
InterCasino’s interface is well-organized, so even if you play on the go, you will meet no difficulties in navigating through the games. In addition to that, the casino is fully licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, so you should leave all doubts aside when setting up an account at this web-based casino. When choosing a casino, the payment methods are also of crucial importance. InterCasino offers relatively narrow payment solutions, but these are sufficient to cover the players’ various needs.
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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:
Has Japan legalized any forms of online gambling at all?
While online casinos are still considered illegal in Japan and there are no operators that have been locally licensed, the Japanese Racing Association and Japanese Lottery are the only exceptions, with both of them allowed to operate online. Both of these activities are state-owned and people who have registered with the Japanese Revenue Agency (JRA) can make lottery bets online by linking them to their personal banking accounts. While Japan does not consider Pachinko a form of gambling, it is definitely a game that shares some similarities with games of chance. This is probably the reason why online Pachinko has become extremely popular in recent years in Japan, with players having nothing to worry about as Pachinko is still considered very much legal in Japan.
Can players from Japan place bets at offshore online casinos if they are licensed and regulated in other jurisdictions?
No. There has been some misunderstanding that Japanese players can join an offshore online casino and place bets legally since the brand operates legally overseas. However, in 2022, the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan issued a reminder to Japanese people, notifying them that even if they join a legally operated offshore online casino, if they are accessing the website from Japan, this still counts as illegal online gambling. The NPA also reminded that if Japanese people use VPNs to access offshore online casinos to play for real money, they are participating in illegal online gambling activities and can face serious penalties for breaking Japanese law.