Is online gambling legal in Japan?

Online gambling is mostly illegal in Japan, with a few exceptions. Traditional forms of gambling, such as horse racing, bicycle racing, motorboat racing, and some lottery-style games, are allowed under specific regulations. However, online casinos and other types of online gambling are generally prohibited. So, Japanese players sometimes use offshore casino sites, which operate beyond Japan's jurisdiction and are not protected by Japanese law.

How to find the best online casino in Japan?

The best way for you to select which online casino to join in Japan is either by researching each one of them or taking a look at the list CasinoRank prepared for you, which includes some of the best options for betting platforms in the country.

What types of casino games are popular in Japan?

In Japan, popular casino games include Pachinko, a pinball-like slot machine game, and Pachislot, a hybrid of Pachinko and traditional slot machines. Additionally, Japanese gamblers enjoy Mahjong, a tile-based game, and various forms of poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and live dealer games.

Are there any bonuses and promotions available at Japanese online casinos?

Yes, Japanese online casinos offer a range of attractive bonuses and promotions, such as welcome packages, deposit bonuses, and free spins. These offers can enhance your gaming experience and provide additional opportunities to win.

What payment and withdrawal methods are available at Japanese online casinos?

Online casinos in Japan support plenty of payment methods, which are popular globally. While you can find common methods like bank transfers and bank cards, you can also use e-wallets and crypto for paying in Japanese casinos.

How can I ensure my safety and security while playing at an online casino in Japan?

To ensure your safety and security, choose an online casino that holds a valid license from a reputable jurisdiction and employs robust security measures, such as SSL encryption and secure servers. CasinoRank only recommends online casinos that prioritize player safety and security.

Can I play at Japanese online casinos on my mobile device?

Yes, over the past few years, online bettors started using their mobile devices a lot more, and casinos have developed dedicated mobile apps to satisfy all of their needs. Casinos that operate in Japan are no exception.

Are there any challenges I should be aware of when playing at Japanese online casinos?

Some potential challenges include the lack of regulation and oversight, limited payment options, and language barriers. To mitigate these issues, choose a reputable and licensed online casino, ensure it supports your preferred payment methods, and opt for a platform that offers Japanese language support.

Best Online Casinos in Japan: Top 10 Casino Websites 2024

Top-rated Online gambling sites in Japan

Over the past few years, the laws in Japan have been changed in favor of online gambling, so that now you can find plenty of online casinos available in this region. More and more Japanese players are enjoying online casinos, which offer a wide range of games for all tastes and budgets.

These online casinos are safe and follow strict rules, making them reliable for players. No matter if you're a skilled gambler or a beginner, Japan's online casino scene has something for you. This article will discuss the reasons behind this industry's growth and what the future might bring for online casinos in Japan.

With CasinoRank, you can be sure that you're becoming the best in online casino entertainment. All the casinos recommended by CasinoRank passed plenty of tests for security, selection of games, bonuses, and everything else that is required for you to have a great casino journey.

The online casino industry in Japan

There are a lot of online casinos that you can attend in Japan. The number of casino lovers in the country has increased, so more brands released new casino platforms that can meet any of your requirements.

The history of online gambling in Japan is quite long. In the past, players from that region used to enjoy games like Pachinko, Plinko, and Mahjong. But, with years passing, new Western-style games gained popularity in the country.

In 2018, a law allowing casinos to operate in the region was accepted by the Japanese government. Physical casinos are strictly regulated, but the law allows certain online gambling platforms to operate in the region. With online casinos getting permission to operate in Japan, you can play a wider variety of games if you are a resident of the country.

Legal Status of Online Casinos in Japan

Gambling laws in Japan are strict, with most forms of gambling being illegal. However, in 2018, Japanese lawmakers accepted a law that allows certain online casinos to legally provide betting services for people.

Online casinos are not completely legal in Japan, but the law we mentioned allows offshore sites to operate in the territory. CasinoRank has tested plenty of online casinos available in Japan so that you can find the best one for you on our list.

To access the best online casinos in Japan, follow these simple steps:

Visit CasinoRank's website and take a look at the list of top casino picks for Japan.
Browse through the selection and choose the online casino that suits your preferences.
Create your account at the chosen online casino.
Make a deposit using a payment method that's available for Japanese players.
Claim your welcome bonus if the chosen casino offers any.
Start your casino betting journey!

Tips for Choosing the Best Online Casino Japan

Here, you can find some tips from CasinoRank, which aims to help you out with your research for an online Japanese casino.

Security and Licensing: Look for online casinos with a valid license from a reputable gambling authority, like the Malta Gaming Authority, or the UK Gambling Commission.
Game Selection: Each casino supports different games you can play. To have a great betting experience, we advise you to look at what games the casino has, before signing up.
Bonuses and Promotions: if you want to get more value from your betting journey, you should look for a casino that has many generous bonuses.
Payment Methods: Japanese online casinos support plenty of payment methods, but some have limited options. Go to the cashier section of the one you chose, so you can ensure the payment method you want to use is supported.
Customer Support: It’s essential to pick a casino that has decent customer support service. This can help you in many different situations, when you face a problem, or just have a question.

Popular Casino Games in Japan

The selection of games that the online casino has is one of the most crucial factors for players when selecting an online casino.

Bettors have different preferences for which games to play, so you have to pick a casino with the games you like the most.

Pachinko

Pachinko is an original Japanese game. The game has very similar gameplay to Pinball but is played vertically. You have to shoot a few balls, which have to enter holes in the board. The objective of the game is to collect as many balls as possible. Afterward, balls can be exchanged for cash prizes.

Slot Machines

Slots are popular all over the world, and Japan is no exception. Of course, there are a few differences between regular slots and Japanese ones, but the concept is the same. You have to spin to win, but instead of coins, you have to use tokens.

Mahjong

Mahjong is a tile-based game that is played by four players. The game is played with 144 or 136 rectangular blocks, called tiles, which have different symbols on them. Mahjong originates from China but is very popular in Japan as well.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a world-famous card game, played with cards. Its objective is to get a card's value as close as 21. The game is played against the dealer, where you have the option to stake for the banker’s hand, the player’s hand, or for a tie. Blackjack is not commonly seen in physical casinos in Japan, but with online platforms entering, bettors started enjoying it.

Roulette

Roulette is another classic casino game that is popular globally. This game is all luck, as the gameplay of the game includes just a ball and a wheel. You have to bet on where the ball will land on the wheel, where it has 36 available options. Just like blackjack, roulette started gaining popularity in Japan when online casinos started showing up in the country.

Popular Payment and Withdrawal Methods in Japan

There are several payment and withdrawal methods available to Japanese players, ranging from traditional banking methods to digital wallets and cryptocurrencies.

These methods cater to different preferences and ensure smooth transactions when depositing and withdrawing funds.

Credit and debit cards.
E-wallets.
Cryptocurrencies.
Bank transfers.

Before opening an account at any Japanese online casino, you should take a look at what security measures it has in terms of payments.

CasinoRank only recommends online casinos with a strong commitment to player safety, so you can deposit and withdraw with confidence.

Benefits of Playing at Japanese Online Casinos

Joining Japanese online casinos comes with tons of benefits.

Convenience and accessibility: First, online casinos allow you to play from any spot in Japan, without forcing you to attend any physical locations.
Wide selection of games: Online casinos are popular for having a wider selection of games than land-based casinos.
Generous bonuses and promotions: Japanese online casinos are popular for offering generous bonuses. You can collect both welcome offers and bonuses for existing customers, which can give you plenty of extra funds during your gambling journey.
Security: Reputable online casinos prioritize player safety and security, using advanced encryption technology and adhering to strict licensing requirements. This ensures that your personal information and funds are protected while you enjoy your gaming experience.

Challenges of Playing at Japanese Online Casinos

No matter that playing at an online casino has a lot of benefits, you can still run into some minor problems for which you must be prepared.

Lack of regulation: The legal status of Japanese casinos is a little bit complex. Some casinos are regulated, but gambling in the country is not looked at well.
Limited payment options: Most casinos that operate in Japan will come with tons of payments that you can use. But, still, there are some that have fewer payment methods, including the one that you want to use. Just be sure to check that in advance.
Language barriers: Unfortunately, not every casino that is accessible from Japan supports the Japanese language. Of course, every casino supports the English language, but if you want everything to be clear in Japanese, you should check the available languages beforehand.