Sports Betting in Japan

Japan treats gambling and sports betting very differently from many other countries. Under the Penal Code, most forms of gambling have long been restricted, yet certain sports and lotteries have been legal for decades.

These exceptions have helped create a distinctive betting environment where sports like horse racing and bike racing operate under strict rules, while interest in newer options such as online betting continues to grow.

In recent years, international operators and betting enthusiasts have shown increasing interest in the Japanese market, especially during major events like the FIFA World Cup or big Nippon Professional Baseball matchups. Many Japanese players now follow global sports and explore online betting sites, even though the legal situation around online Japanese betting sites remains unclear. 

The government continues to review betting and gambling laws carefully, balancing cultural concerns with the economic potential of regulated betting. As Japan continues to study regulation, media and analysts are taking a deep dive into how future laws might affect both offline casinos and online platforms. This shift has also opened up new discussions about how the Japanese betting scene is developing compared to other Asian markets.

Sports Betting Legal Framework and Japanese Law

Japan’s laws on gambling and sports betting come from several different legal sources rather than one unified statute. The central restriction is found in the Penal Code, which treats gambling as an illegal activity by default.

However, over time, the Japanese government has carved out legal exceptions for certain sports. Horse racing, bike racing, and oto racing, among others are permitted under special legislation and are supervised by public agencies. These sports are often referred to as public sports because the revenue is regulated and contributes directly to government programs.

In addition to these racing laws, legislation such as the Sports Promotion Voting Act authorizes limited sports betting on J League soccer through the Toto system. All of these legal Japan betting categories share a common feature: they operate under a pari-mutuel model and are tightly monitored by government regulators. Japan betting takes place on approved platforms, payouts are closely controlled, and part of the revenue automatically flows to national or local authorities. 

Offline Casinos and Land-Based Betting in Japan

Japan currently does not have traditional stand-alone casinos, but the legal landscape has changed significantly in the past decade. 

In 2018, the Japanese government approved the Integrated Resort (IR) Implementation Act, which allows large-scale casino resorts to operate as part of entertainment complexes that also include hotels, convention facilities, retail areas, and cultural attractions. These integrated resorts are designed to operate under strict government supervision and are intended to boost tourism rather than create widespread gaming venues across the country. 

The first integrated resort license was granted for Osaka, with additional proposals linked to locations such as Nagasaki. Once completed, these resorts will represent the first legal land-based casino environments in Japan and are expected to attract millions of international visitors. 

Casino floors will allow table games and slots, but Japanese residents will face entry fees and strict limits on the number of visits within a specific timeframe. The goal is to manage social risks while still benefiting from the economic potential of regulated gaming.

Until these resorts open, most land-based gambling in Japan remains centered on public sports betting such as bike racing, powerboat racing, and oto racing. These activities take place at official race tracks, off-track betting facilities, and government-approved venues.

Bettors can purchase tickets, watch races live, and participate in legal pari-mutuel wagering, all within highly regulated environments that have been part of Japanese culture for many decades.

Once integrated resorts begin operating, Japan will enter a new era of land-based betting. Visitors will be able to enjoy full casino gaming in a legal and upscale environment, while Japanese locals will experience a regulated system designed to control access and prevent excessive gaming.

Regulations on Japanese Betting Sites: Can You Bet on Online Sports Betting Sites Legally in Japan?

Online betting is where things become more complicated. Japanese law does not clearly define online sports betting, and there is no licensing system for private online casinos, betting sites, or international online operators. 

Because of this legal uncertainty, many Japanese betting sites operate offshore, providing access without being physically based inside Japan. While many people participate in betting sites, the legal status is technically grey because the activity occurs outside Japan’s regulatory framework. 

In recent years, the Japanese government has looked more closely at problem gaming, especially after integrated resorts were approved. Policy discussions include limiting access, reducing cash availability at gambling venues, monitoring mobile apps and betting sites, and setting financial controls.

Although no major online sports betting reform has been passed yet, officials continue to study how regulation might work in the future and how it would balance consumer protection, cultural concerns, and economic benefits.

Sports Betting Legal Activities: Sports Allowed for Offline and Online Betting in Japan

Legal sports betting in Japan is mainly focused on four public racing formats regulated by the Japanese government. These are part of Japan’s traditional sports culture, generating revenue through pari-mutuel wagering systems.

Horse Racing 

Horse racing is the largest legal sports betting activity in Japan and extremely popular among Japanese players. The Japan Racing Association (JRA) governs central horse racing, including major flat racing and Ban’ei racing. Over 21,000 races are held each year across tracks from Tokyo and Kyushu to Hokkaido.

Bettors can place bets at the tracks, through off-track betting facilities, or via JRA online accounts using bank transfer or mobile apps. Jump racing events and the world-famous Japan Cup attract international events, famous horses, and large betting pools. 

Traditional local horse races under the National Association of Racing (NAR) focuses on more regional events. Chihou Keiba is also culturally tied to Japanese culture and remains a favorite among betting enthusiasts.

Keirin Bicycle Racing

Bike racing, or keirin, is one of Japan’s most popular sports. Riders draw starting positions, follow a pacer, and sprint for the finish during short and intense track races.

Keirin wagers include exacta, quinella, trifecta, and jackpot bets, which makes the sport appealing to experienced betting fans and new Japanese gamblers who want to place bets on a game with a long history.

Oto Racing or Motorcycle Racing 

Motorcycle racing, controlled under strict rules, is another sport where fans legally place bets. Most tracks are tarmac, and racing occurs without brakes, making outcomes surprising and appealing to sports betting fans.

Motorcycle racing is unpredictable, so many bettors study track history, riders, favorite teams, and weather conditions to make informed betting decisions. 

Powerboat Racing 

Powerboat racing or kyotei is another legal sport extremely popular throughout Japan. This sport allows men and women to compete equally, which is unusual in many Middle East racing cultures or Western betting traditions. Bettors aim to guess the top finishers and can enjoy fast betting action during short two-minute races. 

Most Popular Sports Japan Fans Bet On: Racing, Sumo Wrestling, E-sports, and More

Because Japan loves both traditional sports and international sports events, the following are considered the most popular sports betting choices in the country, whether offline or on betting sites:

• Nippon Professional Baseball
• J League soccer
• FIFA World Cup events
• Horse racing and jump racing
• Powerboat racing
• Motorcycle racing
• Bicycle racing
• Sumo wrestling and more traditional sports
• Public sports like keirin or kyotei
• Major international events, including the NFL and global tournaments
• E-sports  

Japan’s growing interest in local, international, and e-sports means fans can follow their favorite teams and events all year, and many now explore the best betting sites to find broader betting markets and more flexible wagering options. 

Sports Betting Japan: Frequently Asked Questions Answered