Gambling is typically banned in Japan, but there are few exceptions. Some legal gambling forms include horse races, mahjong, pachinko, national lotteries, as well as certain motorsports. It’s quite hard to find legally operating Japanese casinos offering popular games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. Nonetheless, there’s a huge underground gambling circle in the country operated by the unpopular criminal organization referred to as Yakuza. Though this is illegal, players aren’t prosecuted either.
Casino Gambling In Japan
Legality
Most forms of gambling in Japan are generally banned by the Criminal Code chapter 23; however, there are several exceptions, including betting on horse racing and certain motor sports.
The classic casino ( 日本 オンライン カジノ – すべてのプレイヤーが利用できる最高のカジノ。) games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette are forbidden in Japan. Thus, there aren’t any legitimately operating casinos in this country. Nonetheless, the illegal betting site controlled by Yakuza is now taking the gambling industry by storm. And the good thing is that players aren’t prosecuted by participating in online gambling activities and the government doesn’t block foreign online casinos. Plus, there are numerous offshore casinos that accept players from Japan.
- Gambling in Japan. Japan is one of the most incredible countries in the world, especially for travellers from the Western Hemisphere. A trip to the Land of the Rising sun will leave tourists amazed by the high-tech, fast-paced lifestyle, rich history and culture and a way of like that is familiar yet completely alien at the same time.
- 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.
- Japan has long been associated with honour and discipline, so it comes as no great surprise that their gambling scene has been turbulent. The regulations surrounding the Japanese gaming industry have been historically strict, but in recent years they have seen massive change.
Bingo
Bingo is an extremely popular casino game that’s played by gamers from all over the world. Unfortunately, it’s considered to be illegal in Japan. So, don’t expect to find any land-based bingo halls operating in this country. Also the online bingo is illegal as well, though players aren’t prosecuted if they choose to play bingo in other offshore online casinos. The majority of foreign online gambling sites accept Japanese players.
Poker
Poker is one of the most popular casino games ever created. The game is highly competitive and has managed to win the attention of countless people across the globe. Of course, most gamers would argue that poker demands more skill than luck but in the real sense, it still counts as an exciting form of gambling as its widely played in both online and land-based casinos.
Regardless of its immense popularity, poker is prohibited in Japan alongside other forms of gambling. Despite the prohibition, the government doesn’t block foreign sites that provide this service, so Japanese gamers are still at liberty to play poker at offshore online casinos. Remember, players aren’t prosecuted for doing this. For more information regarding poker, read more here.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is another popular form of gambling. In Japan, only certain types of sports betting are allowed. These include horse races, motorcycle races, or betting on motorboat races. Luckily for the gamers that enjoy this, they aren’t prosecuted if they opt to wager on their favorite sports at a foreign online bookmaker.
Lottery
Though it is generally illegal in Japan, there’s a lottery operated by the Tarakuji Company. The firm offers an extensive range of games, including Mini Loto, Loto 7 and Loto 6. However, it’s important to note that the lottery is a state monopoly thus playing online is only allowed on the site’s official website. Players aren’t prosecuted if they decide to play at an offshore casino, though.
Bitcoin Gambling
Gambling In Japanese
Bitcoin a cryptocurrency digital currency that is taking the world by storm. It was invented in 2008 and has increasingly become a preferred payment method. Bitcoin gambling appeared after the invention of the currency and continues to gain popularity as more online casinos started specializing in it. Since Bitcoin trades mainly via the internet, it technically falls under the online gambling genre which isn’t legal in Japan. Nonetheless, the Japanese government didn’t stipulate any specif]ic laws regarding Bitcoin gambling, though.