JAPAN
Japan is one of the most unique and closed Tier 1 gambling markets in the world, where traditional gambling exists in a special legal format. The country is known for its large-scale pachinko and pachislot industry, as well as the launch of legal integrated casino resorts (IR) under strict state control.
Despite restrictions on classic online casinos, Japanese audience interest in online gambling, slots and sports betting remains consistently high. Players actively use international licensed platforms.
Online casinos in Japan
Commercial online casinos within Japan are not officially licensed. The state allows only limited formats of remote rates through authorized structures.
Lack of national licenses for private online casinos.
Active use of foreign licensed platforms.
Increased control over payments.
Strict age verification requirements.
Increased attention to the fight against gambling addiction.
Online casinos for Japanese players are mainly represented by foreign operators.
Land-based casinos and gaming halls (Pachinko)
Pachinko is the backbone of the entire Japanese gambling industry. Thousands of halls across the country are shaping a multibillion-dollar turnover.
Special legal status of "gaming entertainment."
Dominance of pachinko halls and pachislots.
Indirect payments through the prize system.
Age limit 18 +.
State control of equipment and operators.
A separate focus is integrated casino resorts (IR), which are launched as part of the country's tourism strategy.
Sports betting and betting
Sports betting in Japan is only allowed in select formats under state control.
Most popular destinations:- Horse racing.
- Cycling.
- Boat races.
- Auto racing.
- Separate state betting companies.
Classic betting in the European format within the country is limited.
Regulation and licences
Gambling regulation in Japan is based on tight government controls and special legal exemptions.
State control of all permitted forms of gambling.
Integrated casino resort licensing.
Tough KYC and financial checks.
Control of equipment and software.
Enhanced measures to protect players.
Unlicensed private casinos and operators are blocked.
Payment methods
Japanese players are actively using modern digital payment solutions.
Bank cards.
Bank transfers.
Mobile payments.
E-wallets.
Limited use of cryptocurrencies.
Financial transactions are under tight banking control.
Popular games and formats
Game preferences of the Japanese audience are formed around:- Pachinko and pachislots.
- Slot machines.
- Lotteries.
- Government betting on racing.
- Online slots on foreign platforms.
Classic board games are less popular than slot and arcade formats.
Mobile gambling
Japan is one of the world leaders in the development of mobile technologies, which is directly reflected in online gambling.
Maximum share of mobile users.
Fast mobile networks.
Convenient SPA and PWA platforms.
Instant deposits from smartphones.
Highest data protection requirements.
Mobile access is the main channel for online play.
Advertising and responsible play
Gambling advertising in Japan is strictly limited by law.
Prohibition of aggressive marketing.
Strict social warnings.
Control of advertising channels.
Government programs to combat ludomania.
Tough self-exclusion measures.
Responsible play is a priority of the entire Japanese regulatory system.
Why Japan is a Tier 1 market
The Japanese market is characterized by:- colossal turnover of the pachinko industry;
- high solvency of the population;
- a unique legal gambling model;
- maximum digitalization of society;
- strategic development of casino resorts.
Japan is a unique Tier 1 gambling market with pachinko dominance, limited sports betting and strict government controls on all permitted forms of gambling. For operators, this is a market of complex entry and huge potential, for players - a technological, controlled and financially powerful segment of the entertainment industry.
