Finding an online casino in Japan may seem more complicated than you’d think. The country’s stance on gambling, including online gambling, has changed throughout history, and the current status is quite interesting. Because Japanese online casinos don’t exist, most players look for offshore online casinos, plenty of which welcome players.
Online Gambling Laws and Regulations in Japan
Gambling laws in Japan are quite strict, with some forms of betting allowed and others either prohibited or advised against. The popularity of gambling in Japan is high, which is the reason why a large number of online casinos attempt to attract players from this country.
Throughout its history, Japan has changed the status of gambling from legal to illegal and vice versa. At the moment, there’s a large number of pachinko and slot machines in larger cities open to the public.
Also, people who are looking for Japanese online casinos will encounter plenty of different websites that will help players find reliable online casinos. It’s important to educate yourself on gambling and choose an online casino that has a valid gambling licence and offers a safe environment. At AskGamblers, we help players by investigating online casinos and writing detailed casino reviews.
Are Land-Based Casinos Allowed in Japan?
There aren’t any land-based casinos in Japan at the moment. However, this is about to change by the end of the decade.
Things started opening in July 2018 when Japanese lawmakers approved a bill that officially allowed casinos in the country. The Integrated Resorts (IR) Implementation Act, set to take effect in July 2024, underscores Japan's cautious yet strategic approach to integrating casinos within its borders. A year before that, the Japanese government approved plans for Japan’s first legal land-based casino.
The casino is currently under construction and is expected to be finished in 2029. It will be located in Osaka prefecture. In addition to the casino, visitors will have access to a shopping mall and stay at hotels. The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission oversees the casino operations.
Casinos in resorts are aimed at attracting tourists, but Japanese citizens will also be able to visit and play legally. Other prefectures applied for permits to build casinos, so we can expect more land-based venues in Japan in upcoming years.
Is it Safe to Gamble at an Online Casino in Japan?
Because there aren’t online casinos within Japan’s borders, players from this country often look for gambling opportunities outside of the country.
This immediately means that they must be extra careful not to join shady online casinos that promise big wins.
At AskGamblers, we rate every casino opened to Japanese players, and we encourage you to check out CasinoRank. Also, there are player reviews that can help you decide whether a specific casino is good for you.
The Best Online Casinos for Japanese Players
It’s hard to determine the best online casino that accepts Japanese players. Plenty of online casinos are open to players from this country. Some of the names include Campeonbet Casino, Betsofa Casino, and many others.
We encourage players to check casinos that feature AskGamblers Certificate of Trust. This shows that the casino excels in various categories and is a reliable place for players.
Things to Consider Before You Pick The Online Casino in Japan
There are several things you should consider when you’re choosing a casino in Japan. Most players look for online casinos through affiliate websites as they provide a lot of relevant information for specific casinos.
It’s your responsibility as a player to find a reliable online casino, meaning the casino must have a valid online gambling licence. Players often look for bonuses offered by a casino, but games and payment methods are also available, so let’s explore these in more detail.
Casino Bonus Offers in Japan
Online casinos try to attract Japanese players by offering them different casino bonuses and promotions. With online casino bonuses, casinos can increase their number of players, while players also get something in return. Different types of bonuses exist, ranging from:
- Welcome offers and packages.
- Cashback bonuses.
- Reload bonuses.
- No deposit bonuses.
- Free Spins.
- Other promotional offers.
In Japan, many players look for sports and horse racing bonuses and bonuses for live pachinko games.
Most Popular Casino Bonus for Japanese Players
Japanese casino bonuses come in different shapes and forms and they are one of the primary reasons why players choose a specific online casino. With an attractive bonus, players will head over to a casino and start playing.
Below are the most popular types of bonuses for players from Japan:
- Welcome bonuses: Often, welcome bonuses come in different packages and they combine a matching bonus with Free Spins. Japanese players love these types of bundle deals as it allows them to explore a casino in detail.
- No deposit bonuses: One of the most popular types of bonuses include no deposit offers. As the name suggests, players don’t have to make a deposit to play at an online casino.
- Free Spins: Slot machines are available in pachinko parlours across the country and Japanese players enjoy playing them a lot. This translates to an online world, so it’s not surprising that Free Spins are popular among Japanese players.
Casino Game Software in Japan
Because Japanese players join international online casinos, there aren’t any specific software providers they love. Some of the online slot providers whose games Japanese players love include:
- Red Tiger Gaming
- BGaming
- Wazdan
- NetEnt
- Playtech
- Games Global
These are just a few of the top slot providers. On the other hand, players who are interested in live casino games love Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play Live.
Payment Methods Available in Japan
Japanese players gamble in online casinos outside of their borders and one of the main factors to consider when joining a specific casino is the payment methods they use. Popular payment methods in Japan include:
- E-wallets: Presenting a quick and easy payment method, e-wallets are one of the first choices for Japanese players as it allows them to deposit and withdraw money quickly.
- Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrencies are legal in Japan, and Japanese players often look for casinos that accept them.
- Credit and debit cards: Credit and debit cards are the most widespread payment options. Although they're slower for deposits and withdrawals, they’re convenient to use.
Best Japanese Casinos for Online Slots
Online slot machines are offered in many casinos. Some have a library of several thousand slots, while others have a limited selection of games.
Casinos do various things to attract players, such as organising slot tournaments and awarding cash prizes. As a player, it’s important to look for casinos that also offer different types of slots. These include progressive jackpot slots, bonus buys, megaways, modern slots, games with different themes, and classic releases.
The best way to find out which casino has an outstanding slot selection is to review our list of casinos and check our reviews of their games.
Top Online Casino Games for Japanese Players
The best online casinos in Japan offer a wide range of casino games to attract players who want to try their luck.
Players from the land of the rising sun love to play online slots but also live casino games. Because pachinko parlours are popular in the country, they often look at games such as Crazy Pachinko by Evolution, but this is just one of the examples.
Table games are also quite popular among Japanese players, including different varieties of poker, roulette and baccarat.
Future Online Gambling Trends in Japan
Online gambling in Japan is gaining popularity, with more players joining online casinos yearly. The gambling industry is massive, and the Japanese authorities are currently looking for the best ways to regulate the entire market and create a safe playing field for their players.
The expansion of gambling is visible in law changes and the decision to build the first land-based casino in Osaka prefecture. It’s estimated that the trend will continue and that online gambling will be destigmatized, mainly because the evidence shows that gambling is one of the favourite pastimes for the Japanese.
