Is it legal to use online casinos in Japan?
The Land of the Rising Sun has strict gambling laws, prohibiting the use of local casinos and betting shops. However, there is something of a workaround for Japanese players looking to access their favorite casino games online.
Although the use of online casino sites in Japan is technically illegal, this doesn’t stop thousands of gamers from heading online to access one of the many offshore casino platforms that accept Japanese custom. A range of big-name online casinos are available in Japan, giving players a means of accessing Vegas-style casino games from their computer or smartphone.
Of course, before accessing online casino games in Japan, you need to be aware of the risks. All types of gambling are considered a crime here, with a few exceptions for native games like
pachinko, keirin, kyoutei,
and
toto.
What’s more, unlike other countries with strict gambling laws, like the US, social casinos are yet to catch on in Japan. Sure, there are some options available, but these titles are more akin to RPGs than traditional casino games, which may deter some players.
Top tips for finding the best online casino in Japan
While you won’t find many native online casinos in Japan, there are plenty of overseas options that are available to Japanese gamers. But how do you find them and what should you be looking for? Below, our experts at The Game Haus cover some essential tips for tracking down the best casinos in Japan.
- Check that the operator covers Japan:
All casinos list the countries where they’re available, so be sure to reference this before you go any further. If you unknowingly register with a site that doesn’t operate in Japan, you could run into problems later down the line.
- Review the operator’s security provisions:
Check how the casino will safeguard your data and security when playing on its platform. SSL encryption is the minimum standard you should be looking for in terms of cybersecurity, while two-factor authentication can also provide greater peace of mind.
- Browse the games' library:
You’ve come to an online casino to play games and have fun, right? So, compare the game catalogs of different operators to find the casino classics you like the look of. The number of slots and table games a casino provides can make a big difference to your overall gaming experience.
- Read the T&Cs:
Terms and conditions can be an important deciding factor in your decision to sign up with a particular online casino. Read the small print before going too deep into the registration process, so you’re aware of any rules and limits that could affect how you like to play.
- Welcome bonuses and promos:
Start comparing casinos in Japan, and you’ll quickly find that most offer bonuses and promotions designed to incentivize daily play. So, which should you go for? A generous sign-up bonus can sweeten the deal nicely, while casino loyalty programs are a fun and engaging way to give your bonuses a boost the more you play. Beyond that, it’s up to you.
- Speed and user experience:
Site performance may be down your list of priorities when searching for a Japanese online casino, but it’s something worth considering for a pleasurable all-around experience. Online casinos aren’t made equal, so look for platforms that are fast, well-designed, and packed with helpful, user-friendly features. A mobile app can be a real difference-maker, too.
- Customer service:
It’s always good to know that help is at hand during online casino play, so look for operators with 24/7 support, live chat, and transparent FAQs that give you the information you’re looking for.
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How to get started with an online casino in Japan
Once you’ve found a casino that operates in Japan that you like the look of, that’s the hard part out of the way – congrats! Now it’s time for the fun part: playing.
If you’re new to online casino play, as many gamers in Japan might be, we’ve put together a brief guide on how to get started and some of the steps you’ll need to follow to register.
- Double-check the T&Cs before you start:
We can’t labor this point enough. It’s essential to read the small print
before
going any further with your chosen casino. Check restrictions, limits, and playthrough requirements, particularly if you’re accessing a welcome bonus.
- Submit your registration and verification details:
No matter where you live, online casinos will request a few details from you during sign-up and verification. You’ll need to submit your name, address, and date of birth, and may be asked to add a photo ID for verification purposes. This is all standard stuff and shouldn’t set any alarm bells ringing.
- Make your first deposit:
If you’re registering with a real money online casino in Japan, your next task after registration is to make a deposit into your new account. The
best online casinos
in Japan should offer plenty of currency and payment options here, and you should be mindful of adding the correct amount to redeem a specific welcome deal.
- Ready to play:
After successfully depositing funds into your casino account, you’re all set and ready to hit the slot machines and tables. Good luck and have fun.
Since Japanese players must rely on overseas operators for their casino fix, they can take advantage of bonuses and promotions offered by some of the world’s biggest and best online casinos. The question is, what types of bonuses are on offer?
Typically, welcome bonuses serve as the main incentive for signing up with a particular casino operator. These promotions usually take the form of deposit matches, free spins, and cashback, though the type of bonus you receive may differ. It’s also worth remembering that casino welcome bonuses often have playthrough requirements attached, which you’ll need to satisfy before seeing any benefit.
As for returning players, similar offers are on the table with Japan’s best real money casinos, including cashback deals when you make deposits, free spins awarded for daily logins, and other loyalty rewards like free scratchcards and bonus wheels games. Some operators even provide things like friend referral schemes, so you and a buddy can cash in on co-op incentives.
When accessing any online casino promotion in Japan, always read the T&Cs for rules, limits, and wagering requirements. That way, you stand the best chance of success while playing within your means.
What are the best online casinos in Japan?
With no native online casinos to turn to in Japan, gamers must seek out operators from afar. Happily, there are lots of options available, with plenty of high-profile online casino sites servicing customers in Japan. Here are a small handful of our favorites to get you started.
Betfred
As one of the world’s foremost casinos and sportsbooks, Betfred is already a recognized entity for Japanese casino fans. This platform offers an impressive library of games, including slots, blackjack, and live poker, and has plenty of promotions for new and returning customers to take advantage of. If you’re looking for a trusted, big-name casino brand, Betfred is well worth your time.
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Bet365
Bet 365 accepts customers from Japan, meaning you’re well placed to take advantage of the operator’s huge range of casino games, fantastic welcome bonus, and attractive smartphone app. This is a casino platform with global reach, so you can expect a level of service and site performance to match. Japanese Yen is also accepted at Bet365, for more transparent and hassle-free transactions.
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PokerStars
Launched in the early 2000s, PokerStars is one of the original online casinos, and this prestige is evident in its vast games library, well-considered promotions, and seamless deposit and withdrawal process. The platform’s rewards program is one of the most impressive we’ve come across, and with hundreds of titles to choose from, this is one of the best places to play online slots in Japan.
Stake.com
It’s fair to say that Stake.com has smashed it out of the park since its launch back in 2017, garnering a global fanbase through its fun-filled approach to online casino play. The site boasts a library of over 1,000 casino games (you read that right), but it’s the behind-the-scenes stuff that really impresses. Two-factor authentication, excellent customer service, and active player forums make this a strong contender for the best online casino in Japan; and right now, new customers signing up to Stake.com for the first time can get a great welcome bonus with our exclusive code.
Conclusion – A final word on the best online casinos in Japan
Tough gambling laws may restrict online gameplay in the Land of the Rising Sun, but thanks to a good variety of overseas operators servicing the country, it’s still possible to play your favorite slot and casino games in Japan. That’s not to say we endorse it, but if you’re happy to accept the risks involved, there is fun to be had at Japan’s biggest and best online casinos.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to find an offshore casino operator that provides its services to players from Japan; some don’t, so it’s always worth checking. Game variety and welcome bonuses should come second to overall player safety and security, though there are some excellent deals to be had when playing on Japan’s best online casinos.
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Online casinos Japan FAQ
🤔 Are real money online casinos legal in Japan?
Japan has some strict laws in place to deter gambling, with few legal betting options allowed in the country. However, overseas casinos do offer their services to Japanese customers, but does this extend to real money casino play? Find out in our guide to the best online casinos in Japan.
🎰 Are online slots available in Japan?
While native games like pachinko are much-loved across Japan, interest in playing online slot games has risen recently. But are they available to play on the country’s best online casinos? And can you win real cash? Learn more about playing online slots in Japan in our review of the country’s casino offering.
Welcome bonuses and promotions are a fantastic way to get more from online casino play and are used by casino operators the world over as a means of incentivizing sign-ups and daily play. But do these promos extend to customers accessing online casinos in Japan? We’ll answer that and more in our in-depth resource.
🏆 What are the best online casinos you can access in Japan?
Japanese casino players have no homegrown operators to choose from, so they must use overseas platforms for their fix of slots and table games. The question is, which are the best online casinos for players from Japan? Read our guide to find out.
❓Is it safe to play on online casino sites in Japan?
Playing at online casinos in Japan isn’t without its risks, and you should understand the potential legal ramifications of signing up for an online casino. As for the offshore casino platforms you’ll be using, our guide to online casino play in Japan can help you get to grips with how safe they are, as well as the security features to look for.
