Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
In Japan, online casino gambling is prohibited under the Criminal Code, with the National Public Safety Commission (NPSC) enforcing these laws. Meanwhile, the Casino Regulatory Commission oversees land-based casinos.
Key points include a ban on domestic online casinos, penalties for illegal operators, and strict advertising rules. Engaging with foreign sites offers no legal protection, so it’s important to avoid illegal gambling.
National Public Safety Commission
- Regulates legal public gambling activities like lotteries, horse racing, and motorboat racing.
- Enforces Japan’s Criminal Code, prohibiting unauthorized online casinos.
- Oversees gambling-related advertisements and promotions to prevent illegal activities.
- Collaborates with law enforcement to combat illegal gambling operations.
- Issues penalties for operators of unauthorized online gambling platforms.
- Provides guidelines to prevent problem gambling and protect consumers.
- Regulates public gambling to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Oversees the licensing and operation of Japan’s emerging Integrated Resorts.
While Japan may eventually explore regulating online casinos to control and tax the industry, this is unlikely to happen soon. The government’s priority appears to be promoting land-based casinos within the controlled environment of Integrated Resorts.
Gambling in Japan
Gambling in Japan is tightly regulated, with all forms of online casino gambling prohibited under the Criminal Code. Legal gambling options include government-controlled in-person activities such as lotteries, horse racing, motorboat racing, and cycling.
Quick Factsheet
- Online casinos are illegal in Japan.
- Land-based casinos are allowed within Integrated Resorts.
- Legal gambling includes lotteries, horse racing, and motorboat racing.
- Pachinko operates in a legal gray area.
- Government agencies strictly enforce gambling regulations.
Land-based casinos have been recently approved as part of the Integrated Resort (IR) initiative, though these are still in development. Finally, Pachinko, a popular amusement game, operates in a legal gray area.
Gambling History and Future
Gambling in Japan has a long history of being tightly controlled. Traditionally, most forms of gambling were prohibited, except for a few government-regulated activities like lotteries, horse racing, and motorboat racing.
Pachinko, which emerged in the early 20th century, became a popular form of entertainment. It operates in a legal gray area by offering prizes that can be exchanged for cash outside the premises.
Japanese Flag
- 1907 – Japan’s Criminal Code prohibits most forms of gambling.
- 1920s – Pachinko emerges as a popular amusement game.
- 1948 – Takarakuji (lotteries) legalized under government control.
- 1950s – Betting on horse races, motorboat races, and cycling is legalized.
- 1980s – Pachinko parlors grow rapidly, becoming a major part of Japan’s gambling culture.
- 2016 – Japan passes the Integrated Resort Promotion Act, allowing land-based casinos.
- 2018 – Integrated Resort Implementation Act enacted.
In recent years, the legalization of Integrated Resorts, which will include land-based casinos, marks a significant shift in Japan’s approach to gambling. Despite these developments, gambling remains controversial, with concerns over addiction and social impacts.
Conclusion
Japan’s strict laws, including the ban on online casinos, reflect a cautious approach to gambling. Yet, the introduction of Integrated Resorts and the availability of options like horse racing shows there is room for carefully managed gambling activities under strict government control.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most common questions about gambling in Japan. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Is online gambling in Japan legal?
Online gambling in Japan is illegal under the Criminal Code. While foreign-operated online casinos are accessible, they operate in a legal gray area and are not regulated. This means that you are not protected by Japanese law in case of a legal dispute.
Can I bet on sports from Japan?
Sports betting is legal in Japan but is limited to certain government-approved sports, such as horse racing, bicycle racing, and motorboat racing. Betting on other sports, including foreign leagues, is generally prohibited under Japanese law.
Is Japan big on gambling?
Gambling in Japan is a huge industry, worth trillions of yen annually. Most of this comes from Pachinko, which dominates the market, alongside legal sports betting and lottery.
Does Japan tax gambling winnings?
Gambling winnings in Japan are taxable. For residents, taxes apply to winnings from certain activities like horse racing. Foreigners may also be taxed on winnings depending on the game and the amount won.
Written By Angelina Vodenicharova