Online Casinos in Japan

Author: Steven D. Thompson

Updated: 16/10/2024 11:21 AM

The Japanese gambling scene is growing and gathering momentum. The same applies to the best online casinos in Japan. Even though the country hasn’t specifically regulated online casinos, Japanese players can freely join international casinos. Keep reading to learn how online gambling in Japan works and what you need to do to play at Japanese online casinos.

Table of Contents

Online Casino Regulation in Japan

Gambling has been a significant part of Japanese culture for centuries, though its legal status has been complex and evolving. Currently, most forms of gambling remain illegal in Japan, with a few notable exceptions.

The Japanese government has taken steps towards legalising casino gambling in recent years, primarily as a means to boost tourism and economic growth. Here's a more accurate timeline of key events in Japan's gambling history:

Prior to 1907: Various forms of gambling were prevalent, though not all were legal. Even during the Edo period (1603-1867), gambling was often restricted or prohibited.
1907: The Japanese Penal Code was introduced, making most forms of gambling illegal. Penalties for gambling offenses varied but could include fines and imprisonment.
1908-2016: During this period, only certain forms of gambling were legal, including Pachinko, certain lottery games, sports betting on horse racing, bicycle racing, motorboat racing, and motorcycle racing.
2016: The Integrated Resort Promotion Act was passed, laying the groundwork for legalising casino gambling within integrated resorts.
2018: The Integrated Resort Implementation Act was passed, providing more specific regulations for the operation of integrated resorts with casinos.

Online casinos remain illegal in Japan. There is no specific legislation regulating online gambling, and it falls under the general prohibition of gambling in the criminal code. Many Japanese players do access offshore online gambling sites, but this activity is not legal under Japanese law.

Introduction to Online Casinos in Japan

Even though gambling sites are not properly regulated in Japan, you can play online casino games in the country. To do that, though, you will need to join offshore casino sites. These gambling operators are licenced outside Japan but still accept Japanese players. It is worth mentioning that they operate in a grey area, as gambling laws in Japan say nothing about online casinos. However, it is also worth noting that very few players are penalised for playing at international casino sites. So, it is up to individual gamblers to decide which course of action they will take.

But that is not the only decision to make. If you choose to join an online casino that accepts Japanese players, you will have hundreds of available options. Unfortunately, only a small number of these Japanese online casino sites will be reliable choices. To make sure that you play at the best online casinos for Japanese players, analyse casinos before joining them. If you think you are not equipped to do that, you can go with the online casinos we rate and review, of course.

As a rule of thumb, top-notch online casinos have a myriad of different casino games from reputable software providers, such as NetEnt, Evolution, Microgaming and Playtech. Whether you are into online slots or are more of a blackjack and roulette player, quality Japanese casinos have you covered. The best online casinos in Japan also have various promos that you can trigger. From welcome bonuses that can boost your initial bets to promotions geared towards existing customers, top casino sites in Japan can be quite generous.

As important as games and bonuses are, they are only a part of a larger online gaming experience that also involves payment methods, customer support and various features created to make life easier for gamblers. The best Japanese online casinos work with multiple banking options, facilitating a secure gaming environment where you can make instant deposits and withdrawals. They provide you with round-the-clock support too. So, if anything goes wrong, the 24/7 help desk will be there to help you.

How to Start Playing at Online Casinos in Japan

The start of your online gambling adventure is a special moment. However, that makes it even more important that you make the right decisions before you join a gambling site and start playing casino games. Here's a brief and easy-to-follow guide to help you with that.

Step 1

Decide Which Casino You Will Join

The very first thing you should do is go through the list of expert-vetted casinos we feature at Betpack. These gambling sites have scored top marks in the majority of our tests, and they are the Japan online casino sites you want to join. So, read our reviews and pick the online casino that best suits you.

Step 2

Set Up and Verify You Casino Account

If you have decided which casino to join, use the momentum and create a gambling account with it. You sign up with a casino just as you register for any online service - click on the Sign Up or Register button and provide your details. Next, if the casino requires it, verify your casino account with the documents requested.

Step 3

Deposit and Unlock the Welcome Bonus

Top online casinos in Japan allow you to deposit using a variety of payment methods. So, you should have no problem locating the banking option that is most convenient for you. When depositing money for the first time, try to activate the first deposit bonus too, as the free spins or bonus money will come in handy when placing your initial bets.

Step 4

Play Online Casino Games

Now it is time to navigate to the casino games section and select the game you will play. There should be thousands of games, but you can use the intuitive filters the casino provides to instantly locate the game you want to play. When you find the slot or table game of your choosing, click on it and place your bet stake. Enjoy gambling responsibly!

How We Compare and Rank Japan Online Casinos

Nothing beats joining a reputable online casino and enjoying the games and bonuses it offers. However, with so many second-rate casino sites around, finding top-quality gambling operators in Japan can be tricky. That's something we can help with. At Betpack, we evaluate and review online casinos that accept Japanese players. We put each gambling site through a series of tests and assessments and determine which online casinos to keep on our website and which to discard. Here's an insight into our assessment process.

Licence / Security

The Japanese government doesn't issue licences to online casinos. However, other regulators do. Even though the best option for gamblers would be an online gambling concession issued by Japanese authorities, that is not an alternative. So, we check the next best thing. If we determine that an online casino operates under a licence issued by a reputable regulator, such as Curacao casinos, or UKGC, that is a good sign that the gambling site is secure and can be trusted.

Casino Bonuses

At Betpack, we know how attractive bonuses can be. However, we are also aware that casinos often use them to lure players into joining them, only for gamblers to later find out that the promo they triggered isn't nearly as appealing as they expected. To prevent that, we analyse each bonus online casinos offer and list its pros and cons. That way, if you are okay with the bonus conditions, you can go for the casino promotion.

Casino Game Selection

Casino games are the best litmus test for the quality of an online casino. A top-notch gambling site will always put a lot of focus on providing players with the best casino games, whether they are slots or live casino games. We know this and go through the list of games available as a matter of priority during our tests. If an online casino has thousands of popular casino games from world-class software providers, we feature it on our website.

Payment Methods

Nothing can turn an awesome casino experience into a frustrating one like a slow payout. Similarly, limits that don't allow you to deposit or withdraw the amounts you desire can ruin any gambling adventure. To make sure this doesn't happen to you, we look into the selection of banking options at each casino and give you all the crucial information regarding payment systems, transaction limits, and fees.

Japanese Casino Bonuses

Japanese casino sites operate in a competitive online casino industry, where gambling operators are trying to attract as many players as possible. One way to do that is to offer enticing casino bonuses. The best online casinos in Japan have lucrative offers for new customers and a multitude of promos existing players can use. Let's look at the most common Japanese casino bonuses.

Welcome Bonus: Welcome promos are offers that only new players can claim. To get a welcome bonus, you will need to sign up with an online casino that has one. Then you will need to make a qualifying initial deposit. That's why welcome promotions are also called sign-up or first deposit bonuses. As for the incentives, welcome bonuses will provide you with additional bonus money you can play with, as the casino will likely match your first deposit. Often, free spins will be included in welcome bonuses too, making the package more enticing and attractive for new players.
Free Spins: Online slots are super entertaining. So, it is not surprising many players want to extend the length of their slot gaming sessions as much as possible. With free spins, they can do exactly that. Free spins bonuses allow you to play popular slot games without wagering any of your own money, of course, until you use all the free spins allocated to your account. If you win while playing with your free spins, you can withdraw your winnings. However, in most free spin bonuses, you will need to meet the wagering requirements of the bonus first.
Cashback: Seen as not as attractive as welcome bonuses and free spins, cashback bonuses can actually be quite useful. When you activate a cashback promotion, you become eligible for weekly or monthly rebates, depending on the type of bonus. For instance, if you activate a 10% cashback bonus, you will get as much as one-tenth of your losses back. So, if you lose €500, the online casino will reimburse you with €50. Cashback bonuses are often included in casino loyalty programs.
Reload Deposit Bonus: Reload bonuses are reserved for existing casino players who top up their accounts during predetermined periods. In other words, you can get bonus incentives as an existing customer on your subsequent deposits even after you have used up the welcome bonus. However, you will need to deposit during the promotional period. So, if you are claiming a weekend reload bonus, only deposits made during the weekend will unlock reload bonus funds and free spins.
No Deposit Bonus: Most of the casino bonuses that are worth your time require a deposit. However, online casinos also have no deposit bonuses that you can activate without making a deposit. Often, you will only need to enter a bonus code or just opt in, and you will get your no deposit bonus funds. As we mentioned, though, these bonuses are not as generous as promotions that require a deposit, for obvious reasons. So, if you are thinking about claiming a no deposit bonus, make sure to check the terms of the bonus first.
Loyalty Program Perks: Online casinos in Japan reward loyalty. The more you deposit and play, the higher you will climb on the loyalty ladder and the better the perks you will get. When you become part of a loyalty scheme at one of the VIP online casinos, you collect points when you deposit and bet. As soon as you have collected enough loyalty points, you level up. Some of the loyalty perks you can qualify for include free spins, cashback, and other cash prizes and bonuses.
VIP Schemes: Open to high-rollers who spend a lot of money, VIP programs at high roller casinos allow you to get exclusive benefits not available to regular players. There are two types of VIP programs, one that you can join automatically when you meet some requirements related to the amounts you deposit and wager. The second type of VIP program is invite-only, meaning the casino will determine when you can be considered a VIP player and invite you to join the scheme.
Refer-a-Friend Bonuses: If you love playing at a particular casino, why not invite others to join? With referral bonuses, you can invite friends to your favourite casino so that they too can enjoy top-notch casino games. You will usually need to share a referral link or code with the invitees. That way, when they join the casino and make the first deposit, the gambling operator will know that it was you who invited them and both your friends and you will get bonus perks.

Top Japanese Online Casinos by Category

The quality of your online casino gambling experience is closely related to the types of casino sites you join. For instance, if you want to play casino games in an authentic brick-and-mortar casino environment, you will get the best experience when you join top live casinos. In contrast, if you register with an online casino that specialises in online slots, no matter how good its slot games are, you will find it hard to enjoy playing there. So, it is crucial that you sign up with a casino that excels in the games, bonuses or features you are looking for. Here's a list of top Japanese online casinos by category.

Casino	Category
Wonaco	Best Customer Support Casino
Monro	Most Extensive Casino Game Library
Hashlucky	Best Welcome Bonus Package
Melbet	Best Selection of Casino Payment Methods
Playbet.io	Best VIP Program Online Casino

Popular Payment Methods for Japanese Online Casinos

The great thing about online casino platforms is that they facilitate transactions made with various payment methods. Some of these banking options can be used only for deposits, while others support withdrawals too. And because each payment method comes with unique advantages over other banking options, it might be smart to learn more about the payment systems available to Japanese gamblers before you start playing online. These are the most popular payment methods for Japanese online casinos.

Credit/Debit Cards

E-wallets

Bank Transfers

Cryptocurrencies

Prepaid Cards

Mobile Wallets

Most casino transactions Japanese players make are through credit/debit cards. That is to be expected, as bank cards like Visa and Mastercard are easy and convenient to use, particularly in an online casino environment. Credit/debit card deposits are instant, allowing you to play your favourite games as soon as you make the transaction. Bank card deposits also allow gamblers to trigger various bonuses, as they are usually not excluded from online casino promotions. Unfortunately, withdrawals take a bit more time. You might need to wait up to three days if you are withdrawing your winnings using credit/debit cards.

Mobile Gambling & Casino Apps in Japan

If you are looking to play real money casino games on the go, the best Japanese casinos have got you covered. Most gambling sites that accept players from Japan are compatible with mobile devices, and that goes double for the casinos we feature at Betpack. Some of our mobile casinos can be accessed through a mobile browser as their platforms are optimised for mobile use. This is easy and convenient for gamblers, as there's no need to download and install any casino software. On the other hand, there are also downloadable casino apps. Dedicated mobile gambling apps come with unique perks often allowing users to get better casino features.

When you play at mobile casinos you enjoy the following:

A convenient gaming experience
Mobile-specific bonus offers
Casino games designed to work well on mobile devices
Mobile payment methods
Live chat support and other mobile help-desk communication channels

As you can see, mobile casino gamblers can get an immersive gaming experience, bonus enticements, and payment methods that work best when used on a mobile device. So, instead of making compromises, mobile casino players often enjoy a better experience than gamblers joining casino sites from desktop and laptop computers.

Online Casino Games in Japan

There are many things to enjoy at online casinos in Japan. However, it goes without saying that players are most focused on the selection of games available. Fortunately, our expert-vetted online casinos work with leading software providers to give players extensive game libraries that include everything from online slots and video poker games to blackjack and roulette. Let's look the games you can enjoy during your online casino experience in Japan.

Casino Games	Explanation
Online Slots	Slots are the most popular casino games in Japan. They can be classic 3-reel slots or come in the form of the more common 5-reel video slots. Similarly, Japanese players looking for massive wins and thousands of winning ways can enjoy progressive jackpot slots and Megaways. The gaming options are endless.
Video Poker	Boasting elements of slot games and traditional poker, video poker is as engaging as it is entertaining. To win, you need to get a winning poker hand. Strategic planning is quite important in video poker, as you need to decide which cards to keep and which to discard.
Blackjack	A classic casino game that seasoned gamblers enjoy, blackjack involves a lot of strategising. The goal of the game is to get closest to 21 without exceeding that total. Other than the excitement it creates, blackjack is appealing because you can gain an edge with even a basic strategy.
Baccarat	Betting on the Player and Banker is what online baccarat games are all about. There is little strategy and a lot of luck involved. The goal of baccarat is to predict which of the Player and Banker will get a hand total closer to 9. The Tie is also an option.
Roulette	A timeless casino classic, roulette is a game where you predict the pocket where the ball will land on the roulette wheel. There are multiple inside and outside bets to choose from and several roulette variants to enjoy, such as European, American and French roulette.
Live Casino Games	Live casino games allow you to participate in an exciting online casino adventure, where you are greeted by real dealers conducting table games just as they would in brick-and-mortar casinos. Moreover, because these games are streamed from casino-like studios where multiple games are played at the same time, you can enjoy the authentic casino atmosphere and sounds.

Popular Online Slots for Japanese Players

Slot enthusiasts in Japan have a fantastic selection of games to choose from. Interestingly, some of the most popular online slots worldwide are with Japanese and oriental themes, so Japanese players feel at home when playing them. Some slot games players usually go for include:

Slot	Explanation
Sakura Fortune II	This Quickspin slot is the sequel to the super-popular Sakura Fortune slot and features a Japanese princess, mystical elements, and a recurring element in many Japan-themed slots - cherry blossoms.
Ninja Fruits	Play'n GO's ninjas-themed slot comes with a twist. As the name implies, in addition to ninjas, it features fruits too. So, the mystical is balanced with the fun and colourful, a combination that works for most Japanese players.
Koi Princess	NetEnt's Koi Princess slot is inspired by Japanese anime. NetEnt's slot is a top pick for players looking to enjoy a Japanese-themed slot adventure that boasts vibrant graphics and impressive bonus features.
Tale of Kyubiko	Another Play'n GO slot Japanese players love, Tale of Kyubiko features Inari, the ancient goddess that changes from one shape to another, coupled with motifs of Japanese folklore that make for an engaging gaming experience.

As popular as the slots listed above are, Japanese gamblers do not restrict themselves to only Asian-themed games. Online slots such as Book of Dead, Starburst, Gonzo's Quest Megaways and Bonanza Megaways receive a lot of traffic from Japan too.

Top 5 Live Casinos in Japan

As online gambling continues to surge in popularity, live dealer games have emerged as the crown jewel of the digital casino experience. These platforms offer Japanese players the thrill of a real casino from the comfort of their homes, combining authentic table action with the convenience of online play.

From baccarat to roulette, blackjack to sic bo, live casinos bring the excitement of land-based venues straight to your screen. With professional dealers, real-time interaction, and stunning HD streams, these platforms are revolutionising how Japan gambles online.

Ready to discover the cream of the crop? Let's dive into our carefully curated list of the top 5 live casinos in Japan!

Traditional vs New Online Casinos in Japan

The online gambling industry is as vibrant as it has ever been. There are new casinos launched almost daily, while established casinos continue to grow and attract players. There is also a lot of healthy competition between traditional and new casinos. Gambling operators are competing with rivals on several fronts, including games and bonuses. Needless to say, a competitive online casino market is great news for Japanese gamblers, as they can get better perks and play more engaging and rewarding games.

However, with so many options available, it is even more important to make the right decisions, especially when you need to make a choice between established and traditional casinos. So, which type of Japanese casino is right for you? Check out what new and traditional Japanese online casinos offer and make an educated decision.

Traditional Online Casinos
Vast experience in the online gaming industry.
Extensive game libraries of games accumulated over the years.
Bonus offers may become repetitive and unoriginal.
Registering an online casino account is usually pretty straightforward.
Customer support that you can rely on.

New Online Casinos
Unproven and often lacking the knowledge of established Japan casinos.
New games with exciting features.
Enticing online casino bonuses created to attract new players.
Streamlined registration processes.
Help desks may not have the experience to deal with more complicated issues.

Most Trusted Online Casino Sites in Japan by Betpack

If you are looking for reputable online casinos in Japan, you are right where you need to be. At Betpack, we are focused on providing gamblers with not one but a selection of trusted online casinos. We test and examine each casino site to determine whether it is a reliable option for our readers or if it is a gambling platform you should avoid. The five casinos listed below are great options for security and trust-conscious casino enthusiasts in Japan.

Casino	Licence
Winz.io	Curacao
Mystake	Curacao
N1Bet	Curacao
Dicebet	Curacao
BC.Game	Curacao

Conclusion

The Japanese gambling scene is undergoing some major changes. The Japanese government legalised land-based casinos and some major casino companies are entering the country's newly regulated market. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the country's online casino sector. Online casinos in Japan are not properly regulated. So, offshore gambling platforms use the legal vacuum created by the lack of a law that explicitly regulates online gambling in the country to attract Japanese players to join them.

These offshore online casinos are, realistically, the only options for Japanese gamblers who decide to play casino games online. So, your choice is pretty straightforward. However, to make your online gambling adventure memorable, you need to choose the most reliable and reputable online casinos Japan has to offer. Considering the number of gambling sites accepting Japanese players, that can be a pretty difficult task.

That's where Betpack's casino reviews come in handy. We examine licenced casino sites that adhere to strict laws and regulations and look at key aspects of online gambling, such as the quality of games on offer. If an online casino provides players with hundreds of slots and table games from renowned game developers, we feature it on our website. The same goes for online casino bonuses. If we determine that a bonus offers good value, we inform you in our reviews. On the other hand, if a casino promo is deceptive and not generous enough, we think twice before we feature that gambling site on our list.

So, now you know why Betpack-tested gambling platforms are better than other online casinos that accept Japanese players. All that's left for you to do is locate the casino site that ticks all the boxes. Next, sign up with it and play your favourite games anytime your heart desires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Online Gambling Legal in Japan?

Online gambling is not regulated in Japan. Unlike land-based casinos which have been legalised, online casinos are not explicitly legal in the country. That doesn't stop overseas casino sites from accepting players from Japan, though, as they operate in a so-called grey area with very few reports of fines for gamblers, let alone prosecutions.

How Old Do I Need to be to Gamble Online in Japan?

The legal gambling age for authorised forms of gambling in Japan (like certain lotteries and sports betting) is generally 20 years old. Many Japanese players who engage in online gambling do so through offshore sites, which may have their own age restrictions. Typically, reputable international online casinos require players to be at least 18 years old, but some may set their minimum age at 21.

Are Online Casinos in Japan Safe?

Yes. However, you must join licenced and regulated casinos that use advanced SSL encryption technology. Licenced online casinos adhere to strict gambling laws in the jurisdictions where they operate legally. On the other hand, top-tier security measures safeguard the data you enter.

Can You Gamble for Money in Japan?

Yes. Japan has legalised land-based casinos, so you can gamble legally if you go to a brick-and-mortar casino licenced by Japanese authorities.

What are the Most Popular Casino Games at Japenese Online Casinos?

Japanese players enjoy playing a wide range of games. These include online slots, video poker games, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, craps, and many other casino classics and new games.

Are Winnings from Online Gambling Taxable in Japan?

Generally, winnings from online gambling are not taxed in Japan. The Japanese tax system doesn't specifically address online gambling winnings, especially from offshore sites. However, if you earn substantial amounts or make a living from gambling, it could potentially be considered taxable income. For large winnings or if you're unsure, it's advisable to consult with a tax professional.

What Payment Methods are Most Popular for Japanese Online Gamblers?

Japanese online gamblers commonly use credit/debit cards, e-wallets (like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller), bank transfers, and increasingly, cryptocurrencies. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also gaining popularity. The availability of these methods can vary depending on the online casino, so it's important to check each site's banking options.