Casinos in Japan

Japan is entering a new era of gaming, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. For decades, most casino games were prohibited under Japanese law, and traditional casinos did not exist. But rising tourism and international investment are pushing the casino industry in Japan into a new phase.

Historically, Japan relied on games like pachinko, sports betting, and lotteries, while casino activities remained heavily restricted. Gambling also evolved differently in major urban areas such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya. 

Today, Japanese lawmakers are taking gradual steps toward regulated casinos in Japan while balancing public concerns about game addiction and cultural sensitivities. It is a balance between economic opportunity and social responsibility under the rising sun. 

Japan is positioning itself as a future casino destination recognized around the world, especially as integrated casino resorts develop and global tourism continues to grow. 

Casino Gambling Landscape in Japan 

Gaming inside physical casino buildings is only possible through the future integrated resorts system. Japan passed legislation to allow licensed casinos within large tourism complexes that include hotels, entertainment venues, and convention centers.

However, only a small percentage of the floor space can be used for casino games. Japanese players must pay entry fees, and casinos must monitor repeated visits to prevent gaming addiction. Meanwhile, foreign tourists can enter the casino floor freely.

This system reflects Japan’s delicate balance between modernization, economic growth, and the social risks of gaming addiction. Future casino operators are expected to attract international tourism from major hubs, including Tokyo.

Integrated Resorts in Japan

Japan has approved a limited number of casino resorts, with major international companies competing for licenses. The first major development is located in Osaka Prefecture, expected to include casino gaming floors, entertainment spaces, hospitality services, and tourism experiences similar to casinos in other countries. 

While Osaka leads, Tokyo has long been considered a potential integrated casino resort location. If Tokyo eventually gains approval, competition between the two cities may shape casino tourism trends. 

International operators such as MGM and other global brands are building partnerships to operate resort-based casinos in Japan, combining global expertise with Japanese cultural expectations.

Land-Based Casinos in Japan: Early Insights and What to Expect

Japan has not yet opened a fully operational land-based casino, but construction of the first major casino resort is already underway. These upcoming properties are designed to combine casinos, luxury hotels, entertainment venues, shopping, convention centers, cutting-edge technology, and modern tourism facilities.

The most advanced project is the MGM resort planned for Osaka Prefecture, which is expected to open around 2030. But many analysts believe Tokyo could become the most profitable casino market in Japan once the system expands.

Since no legal casinos are operating yet, players cannot experience traditional casino games on Japanese soil. However, early impressions, public planning documents, and industry commentary give us a preview of what these resorts may look like and how they could change the casino industry in Japan once they officially open. 

These attractions are expected to combine Japanese culture with entertainment options familiar to travelers from Tokyo and abroad. Expected features of Japan’s first resort casinos include:

• Modern gaming with international casino standards
• Entertainment centers
• High-end hotels and convention facilities
• Secure, highly regulated casino floors
• Limited gaming space 
• Carefully controlled entry requirements for Japanese residents 

Online Casinos in Japan

Online casinos remain a legal gray area in Japan. Japanese authorities prohibit domestic online casino platforms, but foreign online casinos operate offshore. Many players access online casino websites hosted outside Japan because they are not directly controlled by local authorities. 

This means players can technically play games at online casinos, poker rooms, or sites offering live casinos, but they do so at their own risk. Japan has strict rules about illegal online gambling, and authorities occasionally warn residents about unregulated overseas online casinos.

Online casino users often live in major cities like Tokyo, where access to gaming alternatives is already high.

Common Forms of Gambling in Japan

While most forms of gambling are restricted, Japan allows specific gambling activities, including:

• Horse races 
• Boat races
• Bicycle racing
• Auto racing
• Motorcycle racing
• Toto and sports promotion lottery 
• Pachinko
• Scratch cards
• Lotteries

These exceptions allow gambling that supports the economy, cultural entertainment, and win distribution while keeping more dangerous forms of gambling limited.

Horse Racing

Betting on horse races remains the most popular legal form of gambling in the country. The Japan Racing Association controls major racetracks, while local governments manage smaller courses. Bettors can place wagers at racetracks, authorized booths, and mobile services.

Foreigners can legally bet on horse races, and many international visitors enjoy watching races while in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka Prefecture. Many popular race events are broadcast nationwide, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. 

Boat Racing

Boat racing is one of the four major public sports in Japan. It is lawful to bet on boat races, bicycle racing, motorcycle racing, and horse races, as long as wagers follow official rules and pari-mutuel systems.

These activities help fund Japanese public programs and provide entertainment without opening traditional casinos everywhere. 

Pachinko

Pachinko is the most famous game played in Japan. A mechanical pinball-style machine found across the country, parlors almost resemble casinos and allow Japanese players to win prizes that can be indirectly exchanged for cash.

Parlors in Tokyo are among the busiest and most technologically advanced in the country. Some players compare the gaming experience with online gambling, where winnings and payouts are processed directly through digital platforms. This indirect method allows the game to remain legal in Japan.

Other popular games include:

• Poker games 
• Slot-style pachislot 
• Electronic games 
• Sports games 

Frequently Asked Questions About Casinos in Japan