Japan Online Casinos

B. Atanasov
Boris Atanasov is an iGaming writer with over four years’ experience, creating engaging content on slots, video poker, roulette, and blackjack.
 (editor) | Updated:

Many Japanese residents enjoy various forms of gambling, but until recently the authorities had adopted a very strict approach toward this recreational activity. Over time, the situation began to change, and currently, Japan is taking steps to regulate its gambling market.

According to industry data, the Japanese market has great potential. Insiders project that it will become the third largest in the world, after Macau and the USA. Analysts estimate that the Japanese casino market could generate $8 billion in gross gaming revenue each year.

Gambling in Japan

Japan has a rich history of gambling that can be traced back to 685 AD. Evidence shows that Emperor Temmu was fond of a dice game known as sugo-roku. Later, the game was prohibited by his successor, Empress Jito, but gambling never disappeared from this majestic country.

Unfortunately, gambling has been illegal in Japan since 1907. The country has always been strict regarding games of chance. People were allowed to place bets only on horse and bicycle racing. Later, Japanese residents could also wager on motorbike and boat racing, which were added to the list of “Public Sports.”

This situation, in turn, led to numerous illegal gambling venues run by the criminal organization Yakuza. Needless to say, the Japanese treasury did not benefit from these under-the-counter activities. Today, the Japanese gambling market is regulated by Article 185 of the country’s Penal Code.

Legal Gambling Activities in Japan
Casinos in Japan are Imminent
Online Gambling in Japan

 

Japanese-Friendly Payment Methods

Today, most virtual casinos employ diverse payment solutions to provide maximum convenience. Casino enthusiasts can make deposits and withdrawals through the methods they know best or already use. Usually, virtual casinos feature globally accepted and proven options.

When choosing a payment method, keep in mind that some options support deposits only. If you are a Japanese resident wondering which option is best for you, read below as we discuss the pros and cons of various payment solutions:

Cryptocurrency
Credit/Debit Card
Web Wallets

 

Bonuses and Promotions for Japanese Players

1Overview

You may encounter online casinos that provide similar games and payment methods, yet the bonuses are what set each site apart. Always choose a casino that offers a variety of promotions for both new registrants and existing players. A VIP program is another advantage that can increase your chances of winning.

However, remember that every casino promotion comes with specific wagering requirements. Even if an offer seems lucrative, the play-through conditions may be significant. Therefore, always read the bonus terms carefully and decide whether the rewards are worth claiming.

2Welcome Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are available to newcomers who create an account at a casino and make at least the minimum deposit. These sign-up promotions may take the form of a deposit-match bonus, free spins, or both. Some offers even cover your first three, four, or five consecutive deposits.

Usually, the Welcome Bonus is the most generous, so players are encouraged to take advantage of it. Note that this offer is available only once per registration. Players should also remember that deposited funds are not always valid for every type of casino game.

3No Deposit Bonuses

By offering no-deposit bonuses, casino operators aim to whet the appetite of new players. These incentives do not require a deposit and let you play for free at a given gaming site. The best part is that you can even win real money. Note that no-deposit bonuses may be available only for particular games.

To withdraw any winnings, you must meet the wagering requirements tied to the offer. Additionally, casinos that provide such promotions usually impose a cap on the maximum amount you can cash out.

4Sticky Bonuses vs No-Sticky Bonuses

Sticky bonuses are not cashable. You can use them to play, but you cannot withdraw the bonus funds themselves. However, you may withdraw any winnings once you comply with the bonus terms. No-sticky bonuses, by contrast, allow you to withdraw both the bonus amount and any profits earned from it.

5Payment Method Bonuses

Some casino operators looking to promote a specific payment method offer special incentives when you deposit with that option. Most often, you will see exclusive promotions for cryptocurrency users. Keep in mind that some casinos exclude players who deposit via certain payment options from receiving bonuses.

6Loyalty Programs

Japanese players who remain loyal to a casino can benefit from its VIP program, provided the operator offers one. Such loyalty schemes come with various perks. Based on the amount you wager, you will earn comp points. These points can be exchanged for bonus cash or other rewards. Some casinos require you to apply for the VIP program, while others automatically enroll you. The more points you accumulate, the higher your VIP level will be.


 

Casino Terms and Key Notions

casino bonus imageBefore claiming a bonus, it is essential to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions associated with it. To make things easier, we explain some key terms you should remember.

  • Minimum deposit: This is the minimum amount players must deposit into their gambling accounts to claim a deposit bonus. Note that the minimum required to qualify for a promotion may be higher than the minimum deposit needed to start playing at a given site.
  • Validity period: When you claim a promotion, you must meet the wagering requirements within a specified time frame. If you fail to do so, your bonus funds and any associated winnings will be forfeited.
  • Playthrough/wagering requirements/rollover: This is the number of times you must wager the bonus funds. Remember, the playthrough may apply to the combined amount of the bonus and the deposit. While a bonus is active and you are meeting these requirements, your earnings remain in a bonus balance, and you cannot withdraw them until the requirements are cleared.
  • Game weighting: Not all games contribute equally toward the playthrough. Table games such as roulette and blackjack usually contribute less than slots. In general, only a percentage of each bet counts toward the wagering requirement.
  • Maximum bet size: Once a bonus is active, the casino limits the size of individual bets. If you exceed this limit, the operator can forfeit the bonus and any related winnings. The maximum bet rule exists to protect casinos from bonus abuse.

 

Popular Software Providers

When choosing an online casino, we always recommend that our readers look at the software providers powering the site. After all, software companies give life to casinos. No online casino develops its own games. Instead, operators collaborate with various providers to supply the site’s content. As a result, the casino operator has no influence over the games’ outcomes.

Software companies create the games and decide which storylines, quality levels, and features to incorporate. Having basic knowledge of the brands behind a casino is beneficial in many ways. Below, we discuss some of the most popular software providers.

Evolution Gaming
NetEnt
Yggdrasil
Ezugi
Play’n GO

Top 10 Online Casinos in Japan

The iGaming market is flooded with web-based casinos, so it is not surprising that players might get confused when choosing where to play. Generally speaking, most gambling websites look alike – flashy signs, bonuses, and games. However, you should focus on what lies beneath the surface to make the right choice.

The first thing you need to consider is the casino’s license and which software companies power its library. Then, look at the available games and decide whether they are sufficient to keep you entertained. Promotions are also important, as they can help you maximize your winning chances. We have compiled a list of the ten online casinos we consider the best choices for Japanese players.

CasiTabi Casino
LuckyNiki Casino
Paiza Casino
Cherry Casino
Vera&John Casino
Royal Panda
Wunderino Casino
BitStarz Casino
CasinoSecret
InterCasino

Ask a Question. Get an Answer.

Have a question about this topic? Ask an expert at info@supercasinosites.com

Find the answers of questions people asked so far:

Dan Stephen

Has Japan legalized any forms of online gambling at all?

Asked by: Stephen | Asked on: 2023-06-07
Answered by: Dan | Answered on: 2023-06-09

Online casinos are still illegal in Japan, and no locally licensed operators exist. The only exceptions are the Japan Racing Association and the Japanese Lottery, both of which are permitted to operate online. Because these activities are state-owned, people who register with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) can place lottery bets online by linking them to their personal bank accounts. Japan does not classify pachinko as gambling, yet the game clearly shares similarities with games of chance. This distinction is likely why online pachinko has become extremely popular in recent years; players can enjoy it without concern because pachinko remains fully legal in Japan.

Dan Joann

Can players from Japan place bets at offshore online casinos if they are licensed and regulated in other jurisdictions?

Asked by: Joann | Asked on: 2023-07-19
Answered by: Dan | Answered on: 2023-07-19

No. Many players believe they can legally join an offshore online casino if the site is licensed overseas, but that is not the case. In 2022 the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan issued a reminder stating that accessing an offshore online casino from within Japan still constitutes illegal online gambling, even when the operator is legal elsewhere. The NPA further warned that Japanese citizens who use VPNs to play for real money at offshore casinos are engaging in illegal online gambling and can face severe penalties under Japanese law.