Why Is Gambling Illegal In Japan
Illegal gambling in Japan. Although one of the safest places in the world, Japan is no stranger to its fair share of crime and with the Yakuza running plenty of questionable businesses throughout the city – it’s no surprise that illegal gambling isn’t exactly rare. Gambling is supposedly illegal in Japan, but pachinko parlors are in effect exempted from the prohibition. They are ubiquitous and huge business here. Punters crowd into small rooms to play.
Published Thursday, Sep. 3, 2020, 9:18 am
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By Takuma Tanaka
(© hd3dsh – stock.adobe.com)If you are a resident of Japan, chances are you know that gambling is not legal in the country. However, the question remains. Should we strive to get gambling legalized in Japan? What would be the pros and cons of doing this? What steps can the government take to ensure that its citizens will be able to get the major entertainment value that gambling can provide?
If you want to find out the answers to these questions, read this article as soon as possible. We will try to give you some of the most pertinent information about gambling in Japan and how it is continually progressing at present.
Gambling in Japan: The History
Officially speaking, gambling in this part of the world is still considered legal and has been considered illegal since 1907. By the end of the Meiji era, many official casinos have popped up in this side of the world. In particular, these casinos reside in Tokyo and outside of the city.
Fast forward to 2016, the Japanese government and prime minister Shinzo Abe has passed a law that could turn the tide and make them illegal in the future. Japanese residents and other tourists who are fond of gambling would have to wait until at least nine years in 2025 before the law takes effect in full.
This year small gambling associations have already started to penetrate the Japanese economy. Some speculate that more Japanese casinos will open before the 2020 Olympics which can accommodate the influx of tourists that will come for the games.
Legal Gambling Games in Japan
As of press time, there are some legal gambling games that have already started to gain traction in popularity within the country as the integrated resort industry grows. These are as follows:
The Lottery Games
With this particular type of game, you can expect a much greater chance of winning. All you have to do is buy a lottery ticket from any participating store and scratch the surface. When it reveals similar characters in one row or column, you’ll win the prize.
Pachinko
Why Is Gambling Illegal In Japan Today
Essentially, this particular type of game works like a slot machine. Instead of waiting for cash prizes, you will get to win gift certificates and vouchers that you can use to get products from participating retail stores around the metro. This is essentially done to circumvent the strict Japanese laws against gambling.
Racing Games
This is one of the most lawful ways to gamble in Japan. Whether you prefer a horse racing event or bicycle and car races, you can place your bets and hope to win any of these contests. Tourism and tax can promote these games. The good thing about this is that you don’t have to worry about the police getting in your tail because of participation.
All you have to do is place your bet enjoy the game.
Exploring the Online Gambling Industry in Japan
In terms of online gaming, this is where the line blurs. Japanese laws have strict rules against physical gambling institutions. However, online games of any nature are complete and legal in the country. Perhaps this is because the introduction of mobile gaming technology in Japan came in quite late.
The good news is that you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy them. If you are fond of online gambling, there are many websites that can accommodate players from Japan and other countries as well. You just have to do a little bit of research to find them.
A great examples of online gaming portals that you can visit for entertainment you can find thanks to reviews on bitcoin casino. One advantage you can have with bitcoin casinos is that it is safe and secure to use. You wouldn’t have to think about being hacked once you login and play.
As traveling to Japan can be quite enjoyable, chances are you won’t even want to sit around in front of your computer to play in an online casino anyway. You would want to explore anything and everything that you would like to see in the country before you leave.
The Main Reason for Legalization
Gambling both in physical and online casinos can definitely give players a way to relax and properly enjoy themselves without any inhibitions. It provides entertainment and the diversion of retired professionals who may want to have some time to themselves after a hard day’s work.
Why should we consider legalizing gambling as a whole? Isn’t there another way to pass the time without having to spend too much money? Yes, there is. However, as part of the social and economic freedoms that can be afforded to any citizen by its government, the governing entity shouldn’t dictate how people get to spend their own hard-earned cash.
Conclusion
This is why gambling should already be legalized in Japan as soon as possible. It will not only be good for the people in terms of entertainment, it can also be good for the economy because many tourists will be able to travel to Japan and enjoy themselves while still allowing the Japanese government to make a sizable amount of revenue from any and all casinos that may pop up once gambling becomes legal in the country.
Once the Japanese government realizes the benefits of gambling, they will certainly be able to provide a safe and secure environment for those interested individuals to play in. Fortunately, gambling is already slowly being introduced in Japanese mainstream media. It’s only a matter of time before everything falls into place for legalization.
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Recent News
Gambling in Japan is somewhat of a delicate subject and although most forms of gambling are forbidden by the Criminal Code (chapter 23), there are several exceptions to the rule with the most recent being casinos.
Before the recent amendment to the law, betting on horse racing and certain motorsports (bicycle racing, powerboat racing, and asphalt speedway motorbike racing) was and still is completely legal in the country. They are, however, only allowed by special laws that are regulated by local governments and governmental corporations.
With tickets available from countless circuits and ticket booths throughout the country and in many cities (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya) it’s a wonder why alternative forms of gambling aren’t acceptable. But here’s where it gets particularly strange, gambling may be illegal, but Japan also permits the lottery, so much so that you can purchase tickets at some ATMs.
Tickets are usually sold between 100 to 500 yen ($1 to $5) with prizes reaching up to 100 million yen ($1 million). The prize pool for any given lottery is less than 50% of the overall sales with the rest heading to local charities and government organizations so by allowing for the lottery, the country creates funding for positive areas.
But when we look at the legalization of casinos in Japan, the method behind the madness isn’t too dissimilar from what we’ve already seen from the lottery. Maybe this is the next major step up for the development in Japan…
The 2018 legalization of casinos in Japan
As of 20 July 2018, the Japanese Parliament announced that for the first time, casino gambling would be decriminalized, paving the way for new gambling-based businesses and casino revenues by the mid-2020s.
A building of ‘integrated resorts’ was announced to maximize the new laws with the capitalization of casinos, hotels, shopping centers and conference rooms all under the same roof. Think of it as a small slice of Las Vegas making its way over to the Japanese capital.
The news comes shortly after Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister voiced his support in legalizing gambling as a section of a strategy to both improve tourism and stimulate economies outside of Tokyo.
The shift in law doesn’t come as a particularly large surprise, especially when you consider the success in other areas of Asia when it comes to casinos and resorts. With Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau (home to 8 of the 10 most profitable casinos) all-seeing huge boosts to the economy, it was only a matter of time before Japan joined in on the action.
Possible future resort sites are rumored with Osaka, Nagasaki, Wakayama and Hokkaido prefecture, but the obvious choice in Tokyo has been suggested, although is not yet formally proposed as a viable venture.
Officials state the very first Japanese casino is likely to open in the mid-2020s, but we’re expecting nothing but accelerated progress. Hardly a surprise with the backing of plenty of U.S. gaming companies including MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands Corp. pledging as much as $10 billion per resort.
With so much investment ready to make movements around the country, we’re expecting the most expensive casinos in the world to be arriving in absolutely no time at all.
What do the locals say?
With so much buzz and coverage around the official’s decisions, the locals can often be overlooked and that appears to be the case with the casino legalization.
Japanese opinion polls show that Tokyo’s newest revenue stream isn’t exactly what you’d call popular with those living in and around the area. With fears of increased crime, increases in addiction and damage to the economy, polls showed nearly two-thirds of those questioned opposed their legalization.
However, the new law does come with some safeguards, seemingly looking towards Monaco and Casino de Monte Carlo for inspiration in keeping the locals at a minimum. With a maximum number of times that a Japanese citizen can visit a casino alongside a $53 entrance fee to reduce the potential for addiction, not as strict as the South of France, but we’re sure it’ll get the job done.
It might not be to everyone’s taste, but with the law passed and serious investment hot on its tail, there’s not a lot that can be done to prevent.
Illegal gambling in Japan
Although one of the safest places in the world, Japan is no stranger to its fair share of crime and with the Yakuza running plenty of questionable businesses throughout the city – it’s no surprise that illegal gambling isn’t exactly rare.
In addition to the traditional casino games that you’d expect in venues around the globe, the Yakuza also promote Mahjong to be played for cash. It’s for this reason that many mahjong parlors have strong ties with the Yakuza in an effort to collect the debt from defaulting players.
But it’s not just the gangs that promote sly betting, illegal gambling opportunities are actually offered by mobile gaming sites. Japanese gamblers can engage in rock-paper-scissor tournaments to win cash prizes. Players that won 3 times in a row could benefit from a 1000 yen prize from a 315 yen buy-in or 10,000 yen for a win-streak of five
By legalizing and allowing control of the gambling industry within the country, it’s expected that the number of direct crimes committed will decrease e.g. illegal casinos, yet there are still worries about indirect increases.
Where to gamble legally in Japan
Although we’re still waiting for any form of legal casino to open around the country, this doesn’t mean that legal gambling can’t be enjoyed with an (admittedly limited) choice of different games to wager in.
Horse Racing
Wagering on horse racing is probably the best you’re going to get for the moment if you’re wanting a flutter while in Japan, but with such popularity surrounding the sport, you’ll find it a breath of fresh air.
There’s a total of 24 government-run, non-JRA tracks throughout the country, but it’s the quality of racing that doesn’t quite cut the mustard for most serious gamblers. Most horses don’t look to be in the best of shape and it leads to some dire viewing at times. But with so many variations and the unpredictability that comes with the events, it can become more like playing the lottery than hedging a sensible bet.
That being said, if you’re looking to visit the government-run races, they’re often found running in the evening on weekdays. It’s worth the experience, even if you’re only heading there once.
If you’re really wanting to take racing to the next level, JRA racing is your only hope. With three tracks in the Tokyo area, two in the Kansai area, two in Hokkaido, two in northern Honshu and another in Kyushu, you’re spoiled for choice across the island. However, if you’re struggling to get to the track, it’s not a problem to hop online and get a JRA account and bet online, streaming the races as you go.
When it comes to the bets there’s plenty of exotic options including trifectas, perfectas as well as the ‘wide’ (a fun play of the quinella). Winnings will be paid when selected horses rank in first and second, first and third or second or third – a great option if you’ve got a peculiar hunch. Don’t worry if you’re struggling with the Japanese characters, you’ll be able to find an English version of the racing site from any search engine.
Why Is Gambling Illegal In Japan Travel
If you get the chance to visit one of the big races in the calendar year, you’ll be in for a treat with tracks routinely seeing over 100,000 visitors for the racing occasions. It definitely makes for an experience, that’s for sure.
Pachinko
If you’re not familiar with the game of pachinko, it’s exactly what you didn’t know your life was missing…
The game is essentially the Japanese equivalent of pinball that fills the void that a lack of slot machines leave a country, but it’s no hobbyist game. The pachinko market generates more gambling revenue than Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore combined and in 1994 was valued at approximately $300 billion. It’s no wonder there’s a gold-rush for casinos, not with numbers like that, and in 1994 of all times…
Pachinko parlors are everywhere in Japan and although they look and operate in a similar fashion to casinos, gambling for cash is of course illegal. Instead, the pachinko balls collected from the machine following a win can be exchanged for prizes or tokens, but not money in the parlors. Tokens can be exchanged for money, but this is at a separate location from the parlor, thus eliminating the chance for illegal activity.
If you’re around the areas that the game is played, it’s definitely worth a visit. The activity is entirely mesmerizing that promises routine night-time entertainment for locals, and if you ask nicely, tourists too. It might not be particularly glamorous, but it’s a part of Japan we wouldn’t change for the world.
The lottery (takarakuji)
The lottery is one of the most popular forms of legal gambling that you’ll be able to find throughout the entirety of Japan.
You can pick up a ticket directly at numerous sanctioned lottery booths, often found near train stations and in front of department stores, and will likely set you back between 100 and 500 yen ($1 and $5). There’s the chance to hit the jackpot of between 100 million and 1 billion yen ($1 million and $10 million) with each play, but only half of the revenue goes towards the prize fund, the rest you’ll find invested into local governments and charities.
It’s not just the typical national game that you can get involved with, there’s plenty of other typical games that you play too. From scratch-offs to daily pick threes and fours, there are all kinds of different ways to play.
Get incredibly lucky and match your numbers and you’re in for another few great benefits. Not only is there absolutely no obligation to come forward to announce that you’ve got the winning ticket, but what you win is what you keep. All winnings are entirely tax-free so there are no nasty surprises when you come to claim.
Bicycle racing (keirin)
Believe it or not, bicycle racing has been leaps and bounds ahead of horse racing for some time in Japan with a devoted fanbase and the ability to gamble on the outcome of races.
The sport was homegrown shortly after WWII and involves several cyclists completing laps as paced by a motorcycle. Towards the finish, the motorcyclist pulls away and athletes race in an attempt to be crowned victorious as they cross the line.
Although created as a form of gambling, the event made its way into the 2000 Olympics, confirming the capabilities of the sportspeople contending.
Boat racing (kyotei)
Boat racing has been a popular government-sponsored gambling event since 1952 following its introduction from the US.
As of current, there are over 20 venues throughout Japan with drivers completing six laps around a 600-meter course to the finish line. Both male and female riders take part in the race and to avoid any mechanical advantage, riders are allocated a boat at random on race day.
Bets can include predicting the winner, wagering on the top 2 out of 3 and/or predicting the specific combination of podium finishers. It’s definitely an interesting choice, but then again, what isn’t when we’re looking into the culture of Japan?
J-League Soccer
Last, but not least, comes the ability to gamble on the Japanese professional soccer league – J-league.
The system works in a similar fashion to the lottery with ‘Toto’ booths scattered around the country and although they effectively work the same, they’re much more difficult to find. You’ll usually find them located in used car lots and electronic stores, among other weird places, but once you’re in you can take advantage and place your wager.
You don’t need to know a huge amount about the sport to make your picks, just randomly make your picks and hope for the best.