History of Casino Games in Japan
Japan has stringent anti-gambling laws that trace back to the 7th century when Emperor Tenmu prohibited all forms of gambling. In the 20th century, the government began to loosen up on the gambling ban, permitting betting on horse races and the local classic, pachinko, and other additional forms of gambling.
The introduction of the Integrated Resort (IR) Promotion Law in 2016 marked a significant shift, potentially opening the door for entertainment centers, including casinos. However, legal casinos have not yet been established in the country.
While Japanese players have the option to gamble on international sites, online gambling remains illegal within Japan. Engaging in gambling activities is considered a criminal offense, carrying the risk of fines or other penalties. The Japanese Minister, Hchiro Okonogi, has been explicit about the absence of plans to legalize online gambling in the foreseeable future.
Most Popular Casino Games in Japan
Online casinos in Japan offer various games that are unique and easy to play. Data from Casino Life confirms the following as some of the most popular casino games played by Japanese gamblers:
Slot machines
Slot machines are popular worldwide, and they are not different from Japanese players. Slots are loved for their simplicity, and they are easy to win.
Pachinko
Beloved in Japan, Pachinko is a dynamic game resembling slot machines and pinball. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, engaging players in a thrilling ball-launching experience.
Poker
This complex card game is loved for its strategy. It is mostly played by Japanese gambling veterans and anyone with a great memory for memorizing card combinations.
Blackjack
Is arguably the second most popular card game among Japanese players. It also involves great strategy and skills on how to make decisions fast.
Bingo
Although bingo has low winning odds, its players have fun playing it, which is quite addicting. There is a variety of bingo, which further makes players have fun while playing.
Most Popular Casino Slots in Japan
Japanese players prefer these slot games, according to data obtained from Tuskcasino, thanks to their exciting graphics and interesting gameplay.
- Starburst: this slot game is loved for its action and gives players the chance to win big.
- Moon Princess: This game is closely similar to the Japanese anime series. It is easy for beginners and comes with a high-resolution and game quality.
- Hawaiian Dream: loved for high RTP and a great chance to win big. It is also a popular game among other Asian countries.
- Wolf Gold: this offers fantastic gameplay and a chance to win three huge jackpots: mini, major, and mega.
- Avatars: Gateway Guardians: this popular game provided by Yggdrasil Gaming allows players to unearth the winning combination to claim the prize.
James is a copywriter and iGaming expert with a wealth of experience in online casino gaming, sports betting and crypto. He believes every reader needs access to the right information provided in an engaging way.