Casino Legal In Japan
Gambling and ‘luck-based games’ have always been seen and considered as ‘shady business’ in Japan largely because of how Japanese culture and traditions perceive the notion of betting in general.
Being a conservative country it is no surprise that games based on luck are considered illegal in Japan. However, ‘skill-based games’ are not considered illegal and this is where a loophole is formulated in the system.
The laws in Japan surrounding gambling are extremely strict, yet they are still over 20,000 gambling halls in Japan and plenty of back-alley casinos. Japan has recently considered the prospect of legalizing gambling and permit it in certain areas of the country. Games like Pachinko have always been highly popular in Japan and is an estimated 200 billion dollar industry.
In the meantime, gambling in Japan is thriving. Illegal casinos are found alongside massage parlours and seedy clubs and are often overseen by yakuza gangsters. One popular form of betting is. The future of legal casinos in Japan. A similar system of Singapore is an example of the organisation of Japanese casinos, including peculiarities of legislative structures, models of gambling houses, etc.
The country is currently in a serious debate as to whether to implement the popular “Casino Bill” or stand true to its conservative roots. However, recently the government has loosed up its laws surrounding gambling and has turned a blind eye to many underground and online casinos currently in operation.
Casino Legal In Japanese
The Rise Of Online Gambling In Japan
If Casinos were legalized in Japan it would stand to become the third-largest casino capital of the world so there is no denying the economic feasibility of its legalizations. However, government and cultural implications have made the legalization process quite complicated. It was until the government realized how much money they were actually loosing to foreign countries that the matter was taken seriously,
The legalization process of online casinos began in 2016 and came with several restrictions. Japanese citizens were only allowed to gamble on government sports games and lottery tickets which weren’t even remotely close to meeting the needs of the people.
Betting and gambling are big in Japan despite the notions surrounding its illegitimacy. It is popular with the youth and elders alike which has put even more pressure on the government to legalize the process.
Yet, even today, online betting is illegal in Japan. That is why Japanese players have sought foreign websites such as Casino-lab.net to quench their thirst and thrill for online casinos. Such websites are safe and accept Japanese players and offer a safe and secure gaming environment.
Choosing The Right Online Casino In Japan
Choosing the right online casino is important, especially, when it comes to having a secure money-transfering channel. So make sure you read up and understand the terms and conditions carefully before investing your money.
There is no doubt that in the near future online gambling will be legalized in Japan and that will open up a whole array of Japenese online casinos that players from around the world will participate in. But until that day comes players in Japan will have to rely on more foreign sources for fulfilling there gambling urges.
To Sum Up
It is likely that online casinos in Japan will become a reality soon but as of now, there are sadly no legal Japanese casino sites where you can test your gambling skills. Japanese players will have to continue to resort to out-of-country online casinos to test there luck and skill when it comes to winning it big!
The topic of gambling in Japan is taboo—or at least it has been since the early 20th century, when it was officially outlawed in Japan. The tide is turning, however, with the full legalization of gambling and casinos in Japan practically imminent (at least until Covid-19 shut down tourism to Japan—more on that in a second).
Is Casino Gambling Legal In Japan
That’s the good news, if you’re an avid gambler. The bad news? It’s still not clear precisely when casinos in Japan will become commonplace, or when the full legalization of gambling will go into effect.
For now, assuming you don’t get your gambling fix with casinos such as 1xbet, continue reading to learn about ways of betting and gaming in Japan that are currently legal right now.
Gambling in Japan: A History
Officially speaking, gambling in Japan has been illegal since 1907, near the end of the Meiji era. During this time, of course, many “unofficial” casinos have popped up in Tokyo and outside the capital, largely run by or connected the Yakuza, a notorious criminal organization in Japan. While entering into one of these casinos would rarely get you into trouble with the police, you’d need to watch your back no less.
In 2016, seemingly out of nowhere, the Japanese government passed a law that would make gambling legal in the future. That’s the (sort of) good news. Unfortunately for travelers to Japan who like to gamble, you’ll need to wait a bit longer. It looks unlikely that Japan’s initial round of casinos will open before the delayed 2021 Olympics, and some speculate that we’ll need to wait as long as 2025, when the World Expo comes to Osaka.
Legal Types of Gambling in Japan
Pachinko
It’s difficult to walk in any Japanese city and not notice pachinko parlors, which are the closest thing to casinos that currently exist in Japan. As far as what pachinko is? They’re essentially slot machines. However, you don’t get paid in cash when you win. Rather, in order to get around Japan’s strict gambling laws, pachinko parlors issue you a voucher, which you can use to purchase goods for sale on the premises.
Lottery
Want some lighter, and more casual gambling in Japan? Consider buying a lottery ticket, which you can do at a convenience store as you would in the US or Canada. Even more simply, lottery in Japan is often simply a matter of scratching off a ticket, so there’s basically nothing to it. Just grab a coin (I find a ¥100 works the best), find a flat surface, make a wish and scratch away. What’s the worst that can happen?
Bingo
Theoretically, bingo doesn’t exist in Japan, but in reality it’s possible to find underground games, both those run by the Yakuza and smaller games (with smaller payouts, of course), which take place inside people’s homes. This isn’t the easiest way to enjoy gambling in Japan, nor is it the most lucrative for the majority of visitors the country, but since you’re likely to be familiar with the rules of the game, it can be a comfortable choice.
Racing
Prefer straight betting to playing a game inside a casino? Then you’re in luck—bets on racing in Japan are legal, and can be a very good return on investment. Whether you prefer to bet during a horse racing match, a bicycle or car race, or even on boats as they speed through the waters off the coast of Japan, place your bet and hope your horse (or car, or bike, or boat wins). Until Japanese casinos start opening in the future, this is one of your only opportunities to gamble.
Online Gambling in Japan
Is online gambling legal in Japan? The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” While laws that ban physical casinos in Japan are very explicit, those relating to gambling of the virtual sort are surprisingly ambiguous. (Or maybe it’s not so surprising. After all, up until a few years ago, foreign visitors to Japan were not even allowed to buy Japanese data SIM cards upon arrival at the airport!)
The great news, of course, when it comes to online Japanese casinos, is that you don’t actually need to be in Japan to enjoy them. If you’re traveling in Japan, conversely, it’s unlikely that you’re going to want to be sitting on your computer gambling while you could be out exploring. (Or enjoying machine games in a pachinko parlor, since that may well be the sort of thing you prefer if you’re reading this article.)
FAQ About Gambling in Japan
When was gambling banned in Japan?
Gambling in Japan has been illegal since 1907. Given the indefinite delay on casino resorts in Japan, the answer to the question “is gambling illegal in Japan?” will remain “yes” for the foreseeable future.
What sports can you gamble on in Japan?
Racing bets are one of the only legal forms of gambling in Japan. Although some people bet on other sports, notably sumo, this is illegal—I certainly don’t recommend it.
Can foreigners play pachinko?
Foreigners can play pachinko. The problem is that since you don’t win “real” money playing pachinko, you may or may not be able to redeem your voucher if you aren’t a resident. Is gambling legal in Japan? It’s complicated.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Casinos in Japan
The bad news? The collapse of inbound tourism to Japan in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has complicated the development of so-called “Integrated Resorts” with casinos, the first of which were supposed to open just after the 2020 Olympics. The worse news? The surprise August 2020 resignation of long-serving Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes the future of these resorts even more precarious, even if tourism to Japan somehow bounces back big in 2021.
The Bottom Line
Although gambling in Japan is still not fully legal as of September 2020, changes to the century-old law regarding betting and gaming are on the horizon. Moreover, there are plenty of already legal ways you can get your betting fix on your next trip to Japan, whether you stop into a pachinko parlor, or place bets on a horse, bicycle, boat or even a car. Make sure and stay aware of news regarding gambling laws in Japan, particularly as the 2021 Tokyo Olympics approach. And may the odds be always in your favor!
Japan Starts Here is information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. My name is Robert and I'm happy you're here!