Placing sports bets in Japan can be a tricky thing to get your head around, with local laws contributing to the confusion. Lucky for you, The Game Haus is here to help with our guide to the best betting sites in Japan.
Our experts have done the hard work on your behalf, scrutinizing Japan’s gambling laws and offering essential tips to help you find the country’s best sports betting options. There’s also advice for those interested in betting on esports in Japan, including its legal standing and the platforms to turn to when placing these unique sports bets.
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There’s no escaping the fact that Japan has strict gambling laws, but that doesn’t mean you can’t access your favorite bookmakers in the country. The Japanese government neither blocks international sports betting sites nor prosecutes those that use them, meaning that online sports betting in Japan has now pretty much entered the mainstream.
The list of betting sites in Japan may be somewhat limited, but punters in the country can access any global sportsbook they choose. In fact, thousands of Japanese sports fans regularly bet on some of the world’s biggest and best sports betting sites, particularly in markets like the US MLB and the English Premier League.
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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KY/LA/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KY/LA(select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. *This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
Are there any legal betting sites in Japan?
The number of legal and homegrown sports betting sites in Japan is extremely limited, with a couple of exceptions for domestic soccer and horse racing. All other forms of sports betting in Japan are technically illegal, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of players from turning to online sportsbooks as a way to bet on their favorite sports and teams.
Authorities in Japan show little concern for players accessing international sportsbooks to place sports bets. Indeed, as the number of people using online betting sites in Japan has risen, there have been discussions about legalizing sports betting, opening up the market to an even greater player pool.
For now, though, Japanese sports bettors must rely on international sportsbooks to place bets on their beloved teams. And happily, there are plenty of options available to facilitate this, with some of the world’s biggest and best-known online bookmakers accepting wagers from Japanese customers.
How to choose the best betting sites in Japan
When it comes to choosing a bookmaker in Japan, there are plenty of things you’ll need to weigh up before placing a wager with a specific operator. So, if you’re actively seeking the top betting sites in Japan, these expert tips should make your search a little simpler.
Sports market availability
Enjoy betting on American baseball? Or perhaps you’re more inclined to wager on international soccer? Whatever your preferred teams and championships, check that the operator covers the sports you like to bet on. Available sports markets can differ between online sportsbooks, so always check what’s on the table before you commit.
Welcome bonus and promotions
The best betting sites in Japan are those that provide welcome bonuses to new customers, as well as ongoing promotions and deals on specific sports and special events. Sportsbook promotions include bonus bets, deposit matches, and odds boosts, so it can pay to compare different sportsbook bonuses before you bet. You should also check the promo T&Cs to see if there are any limitations to accessing the offer in Japan.
Safety and Security
International big-name sportsbooks do an excellent job of keeping their customers safe, with robust safety features like two-factor authentication and full data encryption. Given the legal standing of sports betting in Japan, it’s critical that you do plenty of research on the safety and security of the sportsbook you like the look of so that you can place valid bets and feel confident that you’ll receive your winnings.
Customer service and support
There are multiple occasions when you might need help when using online betting sites in Japan, so look for operators with round-the-clock customer support provision. A live chat function is often the easiest and fastest means of getting the help you need, while some operators may also provide email support in your preferred language.
Available payment methods and currencies
Look for Japanese sportsbooks with a good variety of credible payment options, and those that let you choose different currencies depending on where you live. For instance, players may wish to switch between yen and dollars or utilize payment methods like crypto, credit card, or wire transfer. Compare different sportsbook transaction fees, too, as well as processing times for deposits and cashouts.
Mobile app
Enjoy the convenience of placing sports bets on your smartphone? Many sportsbooks now offer dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, bringing you a feature-rich betting experience on mobile and tablet. Some sportsbook apps may only be available in some territories, so check your preferred app store.
Reviews and comparisons
One of the best ways to find Japan’s best betting sites is through all online reviews, sportsbook comparisons, and customer testimonials. Look for impartial reviews from fellow Japanese sports bettors; if a certain site is favored by other players where you live, it may be more of a safe bet.
Our pick of the best sportsbooks in Japan
For your safety and to ensure the bets you place are valid, it’s critical that you choose a sportsbook that accepts sports bets from customers in Japan. Below, our experts have handpicked four familiar and well-established bookmakers that fall within this remit.
Stake.com
Stake.com has quickly risen to become one of the world’s most flexible and far-reaching sportsbooks, offering competitive odds on a huge range of sports markets, including Japanese favorites like baseball, rugby union, and soccer. The site is also well-known for its bonuses and promotions, and right now, new customers can receive an exclusive welcome bonus when they sign up at Stake.com using exclusive code.
Bet365
Talk to any regular sports bettor in Japan, and they’ll tell you that Bet365 is one of the country’s most popular sportsbook operators – and for good reason. Tons of payment options, great welcome offers, and a whole host of live-streaming services make Bet365 a joy to use, and with a huge choice of sports markets, you should have no trouble finding the games and teams you want to bet on.
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Unibet
Next on our list of the
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Betfred
Betfred excels in its range of sports markets, with a fantastic lineup of fixtures to keep all sports fans interested. This, coupled with competitive odds and in-play bets, make Betfred a serious contender for the best international bookmaker available to Japanese punters. We would, however, recommend using the mobile app for the best experience when using wagering on Betfred.
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What are the most popular sports to bet on in Japan?
As online sports betting has developed in Japan, so too has the range of sports that people like to wager on. Gone are the days when Japanese sports betting consisted almost exclusively of sumo, baseball, and martial arts; now, there is a huge range of international sports markets to bet on in the country.
Some of the most popular sports markets in Japanese betting include:
Soccer
Baseball
Rugby union
Handball
Basketball
Motorsports
And that’s not all. As players continue to explore the sports markets on offer through international bookmakers, interest is growing in sports like American football, ice hockey, and volleyball. Horse racing also remains a hugely popular market in Japan, and this is among the only sports with legal betting options in the country.
How to place a bet on a sportsbook in Japan
New to sports betting in Japan? Here’s a quick step-by-step look at how to get started placing your first bet.
Find a sportsbook that accepts sports bets from Japanese customers. Our experts can recommend Stake.com, Bet365, Unibet, and Betfred, but there are others out there should you wish to compare alternatives.
Claiming a welcome bonus? Read the T&Cs carefully for restrictions, limitations, and playthrough rules. You should also check that the bonus is valid for customers in Japan.
Register with your preferred sportsbook and make your initial deposit. You may wish to switch the currency to US dollars to make sure you qualify for any sign-up bonuses.
Explore the odds and find your favorite teams. Big-name sportsbooks do a great job of offering competitive odds and unique betting options, including moneylines, accumulators, and prop bets.
Place your first bet and keep those fingers crossed!
Is esports betting in Japan allowed?
Given its tech-savvy population, it’s no surprise that esports betting is booming in Japan. Players here are passionate about the latest esports leagues and tournaments, with a growing fanbase and dozens of homegrown Japanese esports teams emerging in recent years.
As for the legality of esports betting in Japan, the same rules apply here as they do for traditional sports bets. So, while it’s not technically legal to bet on esports, plenty of people do so through international bookmakers, with platforms like Stake.com providing dozens of esports markets for Japanese punters.
Conclusion – Plenty of sports betting options for Japanese players
Online betting sites in Japan may not be wholly legal, but there’s a general acceptance that sports betting is on the up across the country. Players can access a broad range of international bookmakers to place bets on sports like baseball, soccer, and rugby union, while the rise of esports looks set to further accelerate calls for legal sports betting in Japan.
When it comes to finding a sportsbook in Japan, make sure the platform you choose accepts bets from Japanese customers. You should also look to take advantage of welcome bonuses and promos wherever possible, with all the latest sportsbook deals featured across The Game Haus.
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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Gambling HelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $5 or more, and then simply place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) that is live on platform. All users will receive their $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins within 72 hours of the bet settlement. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
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Online betting sites in Japan FAQ
🤔 Is sports betting legal in Japan?
Japan has some relatively complex laws when it comes to placing bets on your favorite sports. Lucky for you, our experts have broken down the country’s rules and regulations, so you can find out whether or not sports betting is legal in Japan.
⚾ What sports can I bet on in Japan?
Japanese sports fans follow a huge range of homegrown and international sports, from sumo wrestling to motorsport and beyond. The question is, which types of sports can you bet on through Japan’s best sportsbooks? Our comprehensive guide has all the intel.
🌟 Are there any sports bet bonuses and promotions in Japan?
Most people that place bets on sports in Japan tend to do so through international bookmakers like Bet365, Unibet, and Betfred. But does that entitle them to promotions and bonuses offered by these big-name sportsbooks? Find out which types of bonuses you can claim in our guide to sports betting in Japan.
🏅What are the best sports betting sites in Japan?
There are virtually no homegrown sports betting sites in Japan, with most players placing bets through international bookmakers. So, of these, which are the best to use as a Japanese sports bettor? Our guide can help you decide.
💱 Which currencies can you use on sports betting sites in Japan?
Since sports betting in Japan tends to rely on operators from overseas, customers have to think carefully about the currency that they use to make transactions – particularly when you take fees into account. Our guide to sports betting can help you decide which currencies to use on sports bookmakers in Japan.
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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KY/LA/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KY/LA(select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. *This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Gambling HelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $5 or more, and then simply place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) that is live on platform. All users will receive their $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins within 72 hours of the bet settlement. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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