Top 6 Bookmakers in Japan

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Top Online Bookmakers in Japan

In our table below, you can see the best bookmakers for Japanese players.

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  • Fantastic bonuses
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Top Betting Sites in Japan Ranked


Japan and Online Betting

Japan is a country with over 125 million residents famous for its rich history, incredible cuisine, and loads of other things. It is one of the many places where gambling is technically illegal, but many loopholes allow people to bet.

Some Japanese are avid gamblers that like sports betting, casinos, and pachinko. Usually, people use some popular international online bookies with a license from an offshore zone. This article will reveal some of the best betting sites in Japan and other important information.

Betting Facts About Japan

Before you start using one of the iGaming operators, here are a few intriguing facts about betting in Japan.

  • Pachinko is incredibly popular
    People interested in Japan will probably come across the game pachinko sooner or later. It is one of the most popular forms of gambling available in numerous land-based shops and online betting operators.
  • You need to be at least 20 years old to participate in gambling activities
    Although most countries require people to be at least 18 years old to gamble, Japan sets the bar at 20.
  • Online sports betting is popular
    While it is true that the classic form of sports betting is not allowed in Japan, people find a way to bet on the sport they like. Most punters use the internet daily, so they visit international sports betting sites.
  • Japanese is one of the popular language options
    Most international iGaming operators offer several language options, one of which is Japanese.
  • People can participate in the lottery known as “takara kuji”
    Besides choosing some of the betting sites in Japan, people can also participate in the lottery. The latter is one of the few land-based gambling activities the government regulates.
  • Usually, online bookies and casinos offer the Japanese yen
    Since the Japanese yen is one of the leading currencies in the world, it is available on most iGaming platforms. Hence, people can make transactions without worrying about conversion fees.

Are There Any Gambling Laws in Japan?

Yes, there are gambling laws in Japan. This is probably one of the most exciting countries regarding betting because there is no modern gambling framework. According to the state’s Penal Code, gambling is illegal. However, people can legally punt on different sports, such as motorcycle racing, horse racing, powerboat racing, and even bicycle racing. Some legislative changes in 1998 also allowed people to wager on football matches from the Japan J League.

Even though there are no licensed online bookmakers in the country, people find a way to visit the brands they like. That’s why many international iGaming operators have a lot of Japanese customers. As for land-based casinos, some legislative changes can give a Japanese casino license, but as of now, there are no active operators.

Which Are The Top Six Betting Sites in Japan?

The top six betting sites in Japan are listed below so that you can learn more about them.

#1 Bet365

Bet365 is one of the best online bookies in Japan and all over the world. The iGaming operator bet365 offers the most sought-after betting sections, intriguing bonuses, mobile apps, and more. Players interested in sports will have the chance to wager on numerous options. Bet365 Japan is also famous for its number of markets, which allow everyone to find an intriguing betting option.

Another thing that makes this the go-to option for many players is the quality of the customer support department. Thanks to the passionate support team, you can find an answer to all of your queries.

homepage of bet365
The screenshot was made at 13:56 on 30.11.2021
  • Pros:
  • Interesting betting sections
  • High-quality customer support department
  • Good bonuses
  • Cons:
  • Customers usually have to use English when contacting the support team

Visit Bet365

#2 Betway

If you are interested in sports betting in Japan, at some point, you will come across Betway. Apart from being one of the leading UK bookies, this company is available worldwide, including in the “Land of the Rising Sun”. Betway is notorious for its several world-class betting sections, such as the sportsbook and the casino. The iGaming operator gives its Japanese clientele access to the best casino titles, sports betting markets, and odds. It also allows them to experience some of the hottest promotions in the hobby. Don’t forget that Betway is also one of the brands that offer all kinds of betting features.

homepage of betway
  • Pros:
  • Numerous sports betting markers
  • An impressive array of casino games
  • Cool features and intriguing bonuses
  • Cons:
  • No detailed betting guides for some sports

Visit Betway

#3 Stake

Online bettors in Japan have the opportunity to use several sites, but Stake.com is on another level. The world’s leading cryptocurrency gambling operator allows Japanese bettors to avail themselves of all sorts of options. Stake Japan is home to an industry-leading sportsbook, a casino category with in-house games, and many features.

Other betting operators in Japan may have similar options, but Stake is out of their league because it also provides many bonuses. Furthermore, the operator has excellent mobile services and the world’s leading security features. Stake Japan also sponsors clubs like Everton and Watford, as well as the UFC.

homepage of stake
  • Pros:
  • The leading cryptocurrency betting platform
  • Has numerous safety offers and is available on the go
  • Stake has some of the top-tier betting options in the business
  • Cons:
  • The operator is yet to add every betting section in existence

Visit Stake

#4 Pinnacle

As its name suggests, Pinnacle is one of Japan’s finest online betting platforms. Similar to the others on the list, this brand offers several betting sections. As a result, people can wager on sports and experience some of the best casino games. What’s more, Pinnacle offers virtual sports and an eSports section.

Since Pinnacle is one of the few international online betting operators, it supports numerous language options, including Japanese. Furthermore, those who want to wager on sports can choose from Decimal and Fractional odds.

Pinnacle is among the betting platforms with a strong social media presence and a fully-fledged mobile website.

homepage of pinnacle
  • Pros:
  • Strong social media presence
  • The platform supports several language options, including Japanese
  • The sportsbook and the casino are good
  • Cons:
  • Not as many markets like in the other iGaming platforms

Visit Pinnacle

#5 888Sport

888Sport may not have the most innovative design, but it is one of the most sought-after iGaming companies globally. Thanks to its many years of experience, this brand knows how to satisfy even the most niche tastes. As a result, punters who like sports have the chance to pick from more than enough markets and exceptional odds. Moreover, 888Sport allows the usage of features, such as Cash Out, In-Play, and Live Streaming.

Another thing that some gamblers take for granted is the number of special promotions. Apart from the classic deposit rewards, 888Sport also provides a variety of free bets, boosted odds, and much more.

homepage of 888sport
  • Pros:
  • A solid selection of betting bonuses and features
  • You can wager on virtual sports
  • There are more than enough markets, good odds, and helpful features
  • Cons:
  • Some punters won’t like the design

Visit 888Sport

#6 BK8

This is one of the exciting names on this list, especially for people interested in sports. BK8 is a place where Japanese punters have the opportunity to wager on almost every sport in existence. What’s even more impressive is that the bookie offers plenty of other options. For example, it allows gamblers to play poker, fishing games, 3D games, and even purchase tickets for different lotteries.

BK8 provides high-quality customer services and utilizes the most advanced security technology. It also allows people to make fast and easy payments, which is essential for an iGaming site operating in several countries.

homepage of BK8
  • Pros:
  • An innovative betting platform that is safe to use
  • Fast and easy payments
  • Numerous betting sections, some of which are not available elsewhere
  • Cons:
  • The bookie does not support the Japanese language

Visit BK8

Do Japanese Bookmakers Compete For New Clients?

Yes, Japanese bookmakers compete for new clients, but there isn’t a brand with a market monopoly. Most of the popular betting platforms are available in other countries. Still, you can find several companies that only focus on the Japanese market. Attracting new clients is not easy, which is why some of the best betting sites in Japan come up with unique bonuses, tournaments, and competitions.

Which Are The Bonuses Offered By The Japanese Bookmakers?

The bonuses offered by the Japanese bookmakers include promotions for new users and registered customers. Since the rewards are most companies’ hidden weapons, you can expect to find things, such as enhanced odds, free bets, and reload promotions. In some cases, the iGaming companies also offer free spins and cashback.

If you are interested in online betting Japan and want to use a bonus, go through the Terms and Conditions. This document will provide you with more information about the specific offer. Apart from the rollover amount, you can also learn about the minimum deposit amount, the validity period, and more.

The Features And Options Found At Japanese Bookmakers

If you choose some of the betting sites in Japanese or one of the many international brands, you will probably come across the following features:

   

Live Betting
Live Betting is a feature that can be used by people who want to wager on sports. As its name implies, it provides users with extra betting opportunities because they can punt on live matches. Wagering on ongoing events has its advantages because there are new markets and the odds change every couple of seconds.

Cash Out
One of the features that you can hardly overlook is called Cash Out. Thanks to it, you can pocket your money before the completion of the specific event you’ve wagered on. In other words, this option’s primary purpose is to enable punters to avoid total losses while wagering.

Live Streaming
This is often one of the most captivating betting features because it allows users to live stream matches on the sportsbook. Although this feature comes in handy while punting on live events, it is usually available for selected games. Most live streams are HD quality, but there might be some exceptions, depending on the platform.

Results
Whether you like online horse betting Japan or another sport, Results is a feature that will help you when needed. This option allows people to keep track of important information, such as the score, number of shots/points, and more.

The Popular Online Payment Options in Japan

People who want to get the best possible Japanese gambling experience need to choose a proper online bookmaker and make a deposit. Japanese punters can make transactions using various options like bettors from other countries. In addition to their credit cards, people can make wire transfers, use e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies. It should be noted that most banks in the country block transfer to gambling sites.

The processing time, minimum deposit/withdrawal amount, and fees depend on which iGaming operator you choose. The good news is that most of them don’t have extra fees and offer fast transfers. The minimum requirements are also low, but some bonuses require a more substantial transaction.

In terms of the currencies, the Japanese yen is usually one of the available options. However, you can also use USD, EUR, GBP, RUB, and more.


Do Japanese Bettors Like Mobile Betting?

Yes, Japanese bettors like mobile betting because most people use smartphones or tablets. Since the country is home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, it shouldn’t be a surprise mobile betting is essential. To access the best betting sites in Japan, people have to download and install a mobile app for Android/iOS or use the mobile website. Even though the apps have more fans, some iGaming operators only offer a mobile website.

Because online betting is illegal, people who want to get the apps they like have to download things, such as apk files. However, some online bookmakers and casinos may offer them the chance to get the app from the App Store or Google Play. As for the things they offer, the majority of the apps and websites provide the same things as the desktop platform.

Japan and Online Casinos

The topic of casinos in Japan is delicate because there aren’t any land-based casinos yet, despite the latest legislative changes. Fortunately, online bettors in the country can experience multiple award-winning online casinos. Most of them also offer other betting sections, making them even more appealing.

As you probably know, most Japanese like games, such as pachinko. So, don’t be surprised that the iGaming casino operators give them access to many slots, including online pachinko variations. However, people could get tired of playing slots, so some operators also offer table games, poker, and live casino titles.

Which Sports Are The Go-to Options for Japanese Players?

The sports that are the go-to options for Japanese players are listed below and have fans from many other countries.

  • Football
    Football plays a vital role in Japan because the country is famous for having one of the best national teams in the region. Apart from punting on the World Cup and other international events, soccer fans can wager on the J1 League, the top division in Japan. Besides choosing one of the online betting sites legal in Japan, people can place bets on this league in land-based facilities regulated by the government.
  • Martial Arts
    One of the first things that come to mind when people hear about Japan is martial arts. Things, such as Judo, originate from this country, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that people bet on these sports. Although some bookies do not provide many options, you can usually find at least a few exciting events.
  • Basketball
    Those who want to learn more about the history of Japanese gambling will see that basketball is one of the essential sports in the country. Japanese bettors usually wager on the domestic B. League, which was formed in 2016. Before that, people had access to the National Basketball League and the Bj League.
  • Baseball
    Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the U.S. because the MLB is home to some of the best teams in the world. However, the sport also has plenty of fans in Japan, making it among the go-to betting options. Some people in the country prefer to punt on the MLB. Still, they can also wager on their domestic league called Nippon Professional Baseball.

The Typical Japanese Bettor

Similar to other countries, people who use online bookmakers and casinos in Japan are usually men. They need to have some computing skills to access different platforms because they may require a VPN.

Although sports betting has a lot of fans, pachinko is one of the most popular gambling activities in Japan. Hence, many people also like casino games, especially slots.


FAQs

Is online betting legal in Japan?

No, online betting is illegal in Japan.

Are there any taxes for Japanese players on their winnings?

Yes, there are taxes to Japanese players on their winnings, but only if they are over 500,000 JPY and usually do not apply to online betting.

Can I open an account and play with JPY?

Yes, you can open an account and play with JPY.

Are there any betting restrictions for Japanese players?

Yes, there are many restrictions for Japanese players because gambling is illegal.

Can you bet on sumo in Japan?

Yes, you can bet on sumo in Japan, but only if you find an online bookie that offers this sport.

Is sports betting legal in Japan?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Japan, but only if people punt on specific things, such as the J League, horse racing, boat racing, and more.


Final Thoughts Related to Betting in Japan

As one of the most technologically-advanced nations globally, Japan is one of the countries where online betting will go through many changes in the future. Despite being illegal, people can freely access numerous international iGaming websites. The latter allows them to punt on sport, play casino games, and experience other kinds of betting sections.

Regarding land-based betting, Japan is one of the places where punters can wager on specific sports and play games, such as pachinko. However, the country is yet to have a real land-based casino. The good news is that the iGaming sites we’ve provided in this article have everything you need to have a good betting experience.