Best Online Casinos In Japan

History of Casino Gambling in Japan

Gambling has woven itself into the tapestry of Japanese history, marking its presence since the eras of yore. During the Heian epoch, spanning 794 to 1185, games akin to backgammon captivated many, only to face prohibition in 689 AD.

As centuries unfolded, the rigidity of gambling regulations oscillated. By the 13th century, the stakes of indulging in such activities escalated dramatically, with transgressors risking harsh penalties, extending even to the solemnity of capital punishment.

The Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868) saw further restrictions, with foreign playing cards banned in 1648. Hanafuda decks were used in secret gambling sessions organized by bakuto. They are the predecessors of modern Yakuza, who now run illegal activities, including underground casinos.

The Penal Code of 1907 banned all forms of gambling, reversing the trend of legalization that began in the early 1700s. While it is illegal to operate an online casino in the country, many Japanese players access offshore online gambling sites. The legality of using these international platforms remains unclear.

In recent years, Japan has shifted its position on casino gambling. The government passed a law in 2018 permitting the establishment of integrated resorts, with the first one slated to open in Osaka in 2029. This marks a significant change in Japan's gambling landscape as the country embraces casino gambling as a means to enhance tourism and local economies.

For instance, the Osaka project entails a $13.5 billion investment and is expected to attract roughly 20 million visitors annually, generating substantial economic benefits.

How Are Online Casinos Regulated in Japan?

A complex regulatory framework governs online casinos in Japan. The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission oversees land-based casino gaming, while online gaming activities within Japan are prohibited.

The Integrated Resort (IR) Implementation Law, enacted in 2018, legalizes land-based gaming in IRs but maintains the prohibition on domestic online gaming and using casinos in Japan without verification.

Licenses for casino operations are limited to IR areas, with stringent requirements for operators, including compliance with technical and operational standards and adherence to strict anti-money laundering and customer protection measures. Casino operators are subject to national and municipal taxes based on Gross Gaming Revenue.

Despite the legalization of certain land-based gambling activities, the use of online crypto casino services, particularly those operated outside Japan, remains legally ambiguous, with instances of enforcement actions against illegal online gambling activities.

This regulatory environment aims to ensure responsible gambling, financial transparency, and protection from criminal activities while using virtual currencies in casinos is not permitted.

Top 5 Best Online Casinos in Japan

While regulated online casinos in Japan are still being considered, many Japanese players can still enjoy the thrill of playing in offshore online casinos. To help you make an informed decision, we have curated Japan's top 5 online casinos.

#1 1xBet

1xbet offers players a 100% welcome bonus of up to 16,000 JPY plus 150 free spins. The bonuses have a wagering requirement 35x that must be met within seven days of activating the bonus.

#2 20Bet

20bet is a user-friendly online casino that offers Japanese players up to 14,500 JPY plus 50 free spins

#3 VulkanBet

Japanese casino players who join Vulkanbet can enjoy a 100% matching deposit bonus of up to 23,500 JPY and 400 free spins on selected slot games.

#4 Vave

Vave is a major crypto casino that offers Japanese players a welcome bonus of up to 1BTC. To activate the bonus, players must deposit a minimum of 2,900 JPY.

#5 Ivibet

New Ivibet players can receive up to 47,000 JPY on their first deposit plus 170 free spins. However, specific wagering requirements must be met before a withdrawal can be made.

The best casinos in Japan: Comparison

We have examined key elements like welcome bonuses, security features, user interface, and payment methods to collate Japan's top 5 online casinos.

Main Provisions of the Japanese Gambling Act

In the world of online casinos in Japan, a unique blend of regulations and practices shapes the industry. Here's an exploration of the Japanese Gambling Act and its stipulations:

Legislative Evolution

Gambling Laws and Regulations in Japan underwent a transformative shift with the advent of the IR Promotion Law and the IR Implementation Law. These pivotal statutes opened the door for licensed casino activities within Integrated Resorts, charting a new course for the industry while maintaining prohibitions on other gambling forms.

Regulatory Oversight

The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission stands at the forefront of this regulatory landscape. Its approach, rooted in detailed scrutiny, requires IR operational plans to receive the green light from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.

Licensing Landscape

The privilege of operating a casino is exclusive to IR operators. These free game casinos, functioning as multifaceted hubs with a blend of recreational, convention, and accommodation facilities, must navigate a tightly regulated licensing terrain.

Application Rigor and License Tenure

Entering this sector demands a thorough vetting process, scrutinizing applicants' financial robustness and social trustworthiness. A casino business license, with its three-year lifespan, carries the potential for renewal or revocation, depending on adherence to standards.

Commitment to Responsible Gambling

The 2018 Basic Law on Measures Against Gambling Addiction mandates casino operators to instill robust mechanisms to curb gambling addiction, balancing accessibility with responsible gaming.

AML Vigilance

In alignment with global standards, Japan's real money casinos adhere to stringent anti-money laundering protocols, encompassing comprehensive KYC procedures and diligent transaction monitoring.

Advertising Ethics

Advertising in this sector is tightly regulated, emphasizing the prevention of problem gambling and safeguarding minors, with severe penalties for transgressions.

Fiscal Responsibilities

1 Japanese Yen casino operators face a dual tax regime, contributing to national and municipal coffers based on their gross gaming revenue. Customer entrance fees augment this and are funneled to governmental authorities.

Enforcement and Accountability

The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission wields considerable authority to ensure compliance, with a spectrum of sanctions at its disposal to maintain industry integrity.

Gambling Taxes in Japan

In Japan, gambling taxes are structured to include both national and municipal levies on online casinos accepting players from Japan. The federal tax is a floating rate of 15% of the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) each month. This GGR is calculated as the total chip amount received from customers minus the amount refunded plus profits from customer betting.

In addition, there's a fixed tax covering the administrative expenses of the regulatory committee. The municipal tax also stands at 15% of the GGR per month. These taxes are payable to the Japanese government every month.

Furthermore, Japan imposes entrance fees on casino customers, excluding non-resident foreigners. This fee is 6,000 yen, split equally between the national (3,000 yen) and municipal (3,000 yen) entrance fees. Operators of new casinos in Japan are responsible for collecting these fees from customers and paying them to the government and municipal bodies monthly.

The Most Popular Casino Games in Japan

An eclectic mix of games captivates traditionalists and modern gamers in Japan's instant withdrawal casinos scene. At the forefront is Pachinko, an iconic mechanical game bearing a resemblance to vertical pinball, which has cemented its status as a national favorite.

The allure of time-honored casino classics such as Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat also resonates deeply with Japanese players, reflecting a global appreciation for these games. Slot machines, with their myriad themes and captivating gameplay, consistently draw in crowds, offering a kaleidoscope of entertainment.

Not to be overlooked, Craps holds its own as a well-regarded option in this diverse gaming landscape. Together, these games form a rich world that appeals to players at the best online casino in Japan, blending the quintessentially Japanese with the universally beloved.

The Most Famous Casino Players in Japan

Players on online casino sites in Japan have collectively won over $22 million in the last five years, averaging $9,137 per win. A standout player clinched a record $2,008,000 on LC MegaWheel at Ruby Fortune in 2023, marking the highest single win recently.

Other prominent winners include Weft, who won $805,428 on Millionaires Club III at InterCasino, and Katsuyuki Y, who won a $540,800 victory on Avalon at 7 Sultans. Yo K and Hiroshi N. also made significant gains with wins in the range of SEK 3,036,000 and $229,754, respectively, on games like 9 Masks Of Fire and European Blackjack Gold High Limit.

These achievements highlight the popularity and success of players in mobile casinos in Japan, especially in games like slot machines, video poker, and blackjack. Japan's online casino scene is vibrant, with players frequently enjoying various games and occasionally hitting large jackpots.

Future of Online Casinos in Japan

Online casinos in Japan face both growth opportunities and regulatory challenges. The future of online gambling paints a picture of robust growth and expanding horizons. This bustling market is poised to amass a staggering $6 billion, embarking on a steady upward climb at a 7.31% annual growth rate until 2027.

Shifting the focus to live casinos in Japan, a vibrant chapter unfolds: from a substantial $7.2 billion valuation in 2022, the market is forecasted to soar to a remarkable $10.7 billion by 2028. This trajectory, marked by a 6.3% compound annual growth rate, signals an era of dynamic expansion, reflecting the sector's increasingly significant economic impact.

Gambling Addiction Stats in Japan

In Japan, the shadow of gambling addiction looms large. A survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare paints a concerning picture: around 3.2 million adults, or 3.6% of the population, have battled with gambling addiction.

This figure startlingly eclipses those seen in other advanced nations. Additionally, about 5.36 million Japanese adults are likely trapped in the cycle of pathological gambling, unable to resist the lure of the game.

To combat this issue, Japan has several key organizations and initiatives:

• The Recovery Support Network, a nonprofit organization, plays a crucial role in providing support to those affected by gambling addiction, especially related to pachinko and pachi-slot. In 2022 alone, they received 2,937 calls seeking help.
• The Headquarters for Gambling Addiction Countermeasure Promotion, operating under the Cabinet Secretariat and led by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, focuses on national strategies to tackle gambling addiction.
• Osaka has taken proactive steps by enacting an ordinance to promote counter-addiction measures, especially in anticipation of the city hosting an integrated resort and casino. This includes plans for treatment and recovery facilities.

Conclusion – Find the Best Online Casinos for Japanese Players 

Players should focus on legality, game variety, and security when selecting an online casino in Japan. Ensure a reputable authority licenses the casino, offers a wide range of games, including pachinko and slots, and provides robust data protection.

Prioritize minimum deposit casinos in Japan with Japanese language support, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable customer service. Choose casinos with convenient payment options for Japanese players and verify the presence of responsible gaming resources for a safe gambling experience.