Japan has a rich but somewhat complicated history when it comes to gambling, and even today, most forms of gambling are banned under the Criminal Code chapter 23. The first instance of gambling referenced in Japanese history is found in an eighth-century chronicle, where the Emperor Temmu is described as playing the game sugo-roku in 685 AD. The next emperor banned gambling, but the pastime kept its popularity among the populace. Today there is a general ban on gambling in place, but there are several exceptions to the ban.
The first instance of gambling referenced in Japanese history is found in an eighth-century chronicle
Most notably, these exceptions include betting on horse racing, certain lotteries, and pachinko; a pinball-like slot machine. In recent years the online casino has also become increasingly popular in Japan, with sites like Mrcasinova Japan bringing up the forefront. Such pages exist outside the general Japanese jurisdiction as they are legally registered in countries such as Malta and Curacao.
Pachinko
Pachinko machines date all the way back to the 1920s and originated as a children’s toy, believe it or not. In the 1930s, the game was introduced to adult audiences, and it has been a popular pastime ever since. The original machines were purely mechanical, while the more modern versions are often fully electronic. The game features a vertical pinball-type system, where the small steel balls are the active object as well as the best and the prize of the game. Whenever a ball enters a catcher within the game, a payout will be triggered.
The original machines were purely mechanical, while the more modern versions are often fully electronic.
While pachinko is distinctly different from the traditional casino games, its long-standing popularity in Japan means that there is an inherent love for gaming and gambling to be found in Japanese culture. In fact, recent developments in online casino gaming have even led to a decrease in the popularity of Pachinko within Japan.
Takarakuji- Loto
Takarakuji are lotteries which are organized by large cities or prefectures, and they are held at regular intervals throughout the year. Three major forms of Takarakuji exist: scratch cards, selected number lotteries, and unique numbers lotteries. Tickets for these lotteries can be bought installs and booths around the cities and even at some ATMs. The prize for any given lottery is by law required to be less than 50 % of the total sales, as the rest of the money goes directly to local charities and government organizations.
Casinos
2018 saw the first bill legalizing physical casinos in Japan and allowed for the establishing of three integrated casino resorts in different locations. Japanese visitors will only be allowed to visit a maximum of three times per week, with an entrance fee charged for each visit. Several international companies have been involved in the bidding for casino resort licenses, and MGM Resorts were granted the contract for the venue in Osaka. Licenses for Yokohama and Tokyo are pending.
The ease of access, freedom to choose how much to play, and the lack of entrance fees play a large role in the popularity of online gambling in Japan.
Ease and freedom of online casinos
With these strict rules on physical gambling, it should come as no surprise that many Japanese players would rather play at an online casino. The ease of access, freedom to choose how much to play, and the lack of entrance fees play a large role in the popularity of online gambling in Japan. Language barriers may have been an issue for Japanese players in the past, but the rise of online casinos targeting the Japanese market specifically has removed such obstacles, and Japanese online gambling seems to be enjoying its highest level of popularity yet.
