How to Gamble Online in Japan – No Legalization on the Way

Have you ever heard about the strict working ethic of the Japanese? Well, their laws applied to gambling are almost that strict – or even stricter. Because of this practice, many residents look for illegal options. And still, despite this, the country has no intention to legalize online gambling. But while you are waiting for looser rules, you do not have to waste your money on the black market! You still have some options

Given the difficulties of the past year, more and more people from Japan are in need of something exciting. Something to get thrilled about from time to time, like placing some bets on online gambling sites in Japan. And although many forms of online wagering are under prohibition those who live in the country can still gamble online in Japan, if they know how to do it legally. As for now, the Chairperson of the Liberal Democratic Party’s National Public Safety Commission, Hachiro Okonogi said that the rumors about legalizing gambling are fake. But you, gamblers can still hope for the best and find out more about your current options.

What is illegal?

The Japanese Penal Code’s Article 185 basically stated that gambling in Japan is illegal in general. They left some exceptions from under this draconian law, such as entertainment gambling or playing on pachinko. Also, gambling options organized by public institutions, like the national lottery and sports betting, were legal too. The same ruling applied to online gambling as well. Since 2016 and 2018 – the enacting of the Integrated Resort Law – private operators can also offer a few types of land-based gambling possibilities. What is important is that only IR operators with licenses can provide these. So, right now residents can bet on bicycle races, horse races and buy lottery tickets on public sector-operated sites. It is the offshore sportsbook sites, such as 1xBET Sportsbook, that offer a wider range of betting options.

How to gamble online in Japan?

In the past few years, we have seen that the authorities in Japan tried to criminalize those who bet on offshore betting sites, like 1xBET Sportsbook. But until there is no specific online regulation applying to this, there is no too much they can do about this practice. It cannot come as a surprise to them that many turn to those offshore sites. Those offer better odds, more betting options, and some quite appealing bonuses. It means that you can also still use them – until the regulators of the country regulate the field more properly or make the laws looser.

What is up with online gambling in Japan?

The difficult times of the past year showed something in connection with online gambling in Japan. More and more residents were turning to foreign betting sites since they were not legally blocked from doing it. So, the Constitutional Democratic party brought the question of gambling regulation back on the table. This, of course, arose some rumors, but the government insists that they have no plans to allow all types of online gambling. Moreover, they are planning to restrict the current state of the issue. The above-mentioned chairperson, Hachiro Okonogi even said that they go on with clamping down the recent offshore gambling activities. They already sent one online casino to trial that operated illegally in the country.

However, Okonogi agreed that the Integrated Resorts Development Act – which includes casino provisions – does not apply to online casinos in Japan. This Act does not include any forms of online gambling activities. since those are considered to be illegal at this time. So, before the further restrictions, you might want to get out there and have some fun while you still can.

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