Online Gaming state of play in Japan
It wasn’t that long ago that Japan finally legalized gambling and casinos – while this may seem like a far fetched statement, it’s accurate. In a world of eSports – many of which involved incredibly competitive teams from Japan – it’s mind boggling that betting on these sports was not permitted, at least until recently.
TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 1, 2015: Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The historic electronics district has evolved into a shopping district for video games, anime, manga, and computer goods.
The online marketplace for gambling and casino sites is slowly growing in Japan, and sites like GamblingGuy Japan are quickly taking off. But this is a relatively new, legal industry in Japan, and one that is apparently thriving. In a 2018 article from the Wall Street Journal , they wrote:
Gambling is illegal in Japan, but the government has made exceptions for sports betting including horse, bicycle, motorcycle and motorboat racing, as well as some lotteries.
Until legislation recently passed, that was very true, although the legislation itself is a bit muddied, as it opens the way for casino resorts, but not necessarily those of the online variety. There is heavy criticism of this decision by Japan. Further in the article, it is written:
Opinion polls show the legislation is deeply unpopular. A July survey by Jiji Press found 62% of respondents opposed allowing casino resorts, compared with 22% in favor of the plan. It didn’t supply a margin of error.
But while some may oppose the idea of casinos, they are a great way to bolster the economy, and with a large Chinese audience just a short trip away, the gambling industry in Japan is likely to take off when three new casino resorts open sometime in the 2020s.
When it comes to online casinos, we’ve written time and time again that being vigilant when gambling online is the responsibility of the consumer. Look for those tell-tale signs of either a reputable website, or one that is cutting corners. Look for addictions help links, look for certifications from the websites home country, and more. Being safe online is key, and should be the top priority.
As gambling becomes more and more accepted in Japan, it will pave the way for mobile apps and online casinos. In a world that is so far ahead of everyone else in terms of technology, it’s unbelievable to imagine what the countries top minds might come up with next in the online space. Regardless of what it is, it’s likely to be incredibly popular.