Japanese Casino Legalization

While casinos may have been banned by law, de facto gambling has been permitted in the form of slot machine and pachinko parlors. Wagering on horse, bicycle and powerboat races has also been legal. Casino legalization is a controversial issue with strong arguments on both sides. Supporters argue that developing integrated resort (IR) facilities including casinos would become one of the pillars in Japan's growth strategy, as it will generate large consumption demand, particularly by increasing inbound visitors. Japan's parliament passed a law on Thursday to legalize casinos, ending 15 years of political argument. The move is expected to generate billions of dollars in profits. The Japanese casino market is potentially massive. A recent report by CLSA estimates that the nationwide casino resort market in Japan could be a $30 billion market. By comparison, the Las Vegas Strip generated a total of $6.3 billion in gaming revenue in 2015. All the major Asian players will likely be involved in the Japan story.

Published Thursday, Sep. 3, 2020, 9:18 am

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By Takuma Tanaka

If you are a resident of Japan, chances are you know that gambling is not legal in the country. However, the question remains. Should we strive to get gambling legalized in Japan? What would be the pros and cons of doing this? What steps can the government take to ensure that its citizens will be able to get the major entertainment value that gambling can provide?

If you want to find out the answers to these questions, read this article as soon as possible. We will try to give you some of the most pertinent information about gambling in Japan and how it is continually progressing at present.

Gambling in Japan: The History

Officially speaking, gambling in this part of the world is still considered legal and has been considered illegal since 1907. By the end of the Meiji era, many official casinos have popped up in this side of the world. In particular, these casinos reside in Tokyo and outside of the city.

Japan Casino Legalization

Fast forward to 2016, the Japanese government and prime minister Shinzo Abe has passed a law that could turn the tide and make them illegal in the future. Japanese residents and other tourists who are fond of gambling would have to wait until at least nine years in 2025 before the law takes effect in full.

This year small gambling associations have already started to penetrate the Japanese economy. Some speculate that more Japanese casinos will open before the 2020 Olympics which can accommodate the influx of tourists that will come for the games.

Legal Gambling Games in Japan

As of press time, there are some legal gambling games that have already started to gain traction in popularity within the country as the integrated resort industry grows. These are as follows:

The Lottery Games

With this particular type of game, you can expect a much greater chance of winning. All you have to do is buy a lottery ticket from any participating store and scratch the surface. When it reveals similar characters in one row or column, you'll win the prize.

Pachinko

Essentially, this particular type of game works like a slot machine. Instead of waiting for cash prizes, you will get to win gift certificates and vouchers that you can use to get products from participating retail stores around the metro. This is essentially done to circumvent the strict Japanese laws against gambling.

Racing Games

This is one of the most lawful ways to gamble in Japan. Whether you prefer a horse racing event or bicycle and car races, you can place your bets and hope to win any of these contests. Tourism and tax can promote these games. The good thing about this is that you don't have to worry about the police getting in your tail because of participation.

All you have to do is place your bet enjoy the game.

Exploring the Online Gambling Industry in Japan

In terms of online gaming, this is where the line blurs. Japanese laws have strict rules against physical gambling institutions. However, online games of any nature are complete and legal in the country. Perhaps this is because the introduction of mobile gaming technology in Japan came in quite late.

The good news is that you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy them. If you are fond of online gambling, there are many websites that can accommodate players from Japan and other countries as well. You just have to do a little bit of research to find them.

A great examples of online gaming portals that you can visit for entertainment you can find thanks to reviews on bitcoin casino. One advantage you can have with bitcoin casinos is that it is safe and secure to use. You wouldn't have to think about being hacked once you login and play.

As traveling to Japan can be quite enjoyable, chances are you won't even want to sit around in front of your computer to play in an online casino anyway. You would want to explore anything and everything that you would like to see in the country before you leave.

The Main Reason for Legalization

Gambling both in physical and online casinos can definitely give players a way to relax and properly enjoy themselves without any inhibitions. It provides entertainment and the diversion of retired professionals who may want to have some time to themselves after a hard day's work.

Why should we consider legalizing gambling as a whole? Isn't there another way to pass the time without having to spend too much money? Yes, there is. However, as part of the social and economic freedoms that can be afforded to any citizen by its government, the governing entity shouldn't dictate how people get to spend their own hard-earned cash.

Conclusion

This is why gambling should already be legalized in Japan as soon as possible. It will not only be good for the people in terms of entertainment, it can also be good for the economy because many tourists will be able to travel to Japan and enjoy themselves while still allowing the Japanese government to make a sizable amount of revenue from any and all casinos that may pop up once gambling becomes legal in the country.

Once the Japanese government realizes the benefits of gambling, they will certainly be able to provide a safe and secure environment for those interested individuals to play in. Fortunately, gambling is already slowly being introduced in Japanese mainstream media. It's only a matter of time before everything falls into place for legalization.

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Recent News

Gambling institutions worldwide enjoyed a bump in share values following Japanese Parliament's approval of a much anticipated gambling bill in favor of the legalization of casinos for the island nation.

The recent announcement could all but seal the deal in terms of legalized gaming and open the doors for a much needed boom in interest from investors and tourists alike. Taking figures from other gaming destinations, CSLA analysts estimate the industry could generate as much as $40bn a year.

The news has casino institutions such as Las Vegas Sands, whose share rose 3%, and both Wynn and MGM resorts, who enjoyed a 2% increase following the parliamentary decision, very excited at the prospect of new territory to spread their influence. Macau operators are especially pleased with the news of another gambling hub opening in such close proximity to already established operations.

The idea of legalized gambling is not a new one in Japan. The prospect of legitimizing casinos has been a topic of fierce debate in parliament since as early as 1999. Among the chief concerns from opposition are the perceived social problems that would arise with the legalization of gambling and casino culture.

Games in the Spotlight

While there are some forms of gambling currently in place in, such as pachinko, the practice of wagering real money on games of chance has long been taboo.

The most popular game in Japan, Pachinko is a pinball-style game played vertically. Ball bearings are launched with a lever and sent screaming to the top of a game board pocked with metal pins and pockets of varying values waiting to catch fortune fated balls. Players watch with anticipation as their hopes are dashed with an uneventful fall or rewarded with a beneficial landing in a high-paying pocket. Despite Pachinko being illegal, it is tolerated and gambling parlors dedicated to the game are located throughout the nation.

The game works around legislation by having players ‘rent' out the balls used to play rather than buying them outright. Not only this, but prizes take the form of goods rather than cold hard cash since cash prizes are illegal. So, when a player has accumulated enough balls through play, the balls are turned in for a prize. These special prizes are then taken to a second location where the corresponding item can be exchanged for real money.

Lotteries, football pools and public sports do allow some forms of wager to generate income for the national and local governments. Even betting on the racing of horses, boats and bicycles has enjoyed a following in japan thanks to government supported bookmakers. However, it looks as though the new era of gaming in Japan will focus on Blackjack, Roulette, and other iconic casino entertainment.

Concerns from the public

While legislators, operators and those already positioned to reap the benefits of legalized gambling are eager to move forward, polls show that Japanese voters are largely opposed to the idea.

Many associate the world of gambling with Japanese organize crime element, the Yakuza, who are known to operate casinos illegally throughout Japan. The stigma runs deep and has been engrained in Japanese culture for generations.

According to a government survey conducted in 2014 jointly by the Health Ministry and research teams, more than 5 million adults, roughly 5% of the Japanese population at the time, were addicted to gambling. This figure is 500% that found in other countries. Many believe that the legalization of gambling will only further the problem and lead to an increase in gambling addicted adults as well as crime driven by those defaulting on gambling debts.

If you are a resident of Japan, chances are you know that gambling is not legal in the country. However, the question remains. Should we strive to get gambling legalized in Japan? What would be the pros and cons of doing this? What steps can the government take to ensure that its citizens will be able to get the major entertainment value that gambling can provide?

If you want to find out the answers to these questions, read this article as soon as possible. We will try to give you some of the most pertinent information about gambling in Japan and how it is continually progressing at present.

Gambling in Japan: The History

Officially speaking, gambling in this part of the world is still considered legal and has been considered illegal since 1907. By the end of the Meiji era, many official casinos have popped up in this side of the world. In particular, these casinos reside in Tokyo and outside of the city.

Japan Casino Legalization

Fast forward to 2016, the Japanese government and prime minister Shinzo Abe has passed a law that could turn the tide and make them illegal in the future. Japanese residents and other tourists who are fond of gambling would have to wait until at least nine years in 2025 before the law takes effect in full.

This year small gambling associations have already started to penetrate the Japanese economy. Some speculate that more Japanese casinos will open before the 2020 Olympics which can accommodate the influx of tourists that will come for the games.

Legal Gambling Games in Japan

As of press time, there are some legal gambling games that have already started to gain traction in popularity within the country as the integrated resort industry grows. These are as follows:

The Lottery Games

With this particular type of game, you can expect a much greater chance of winning. All you have to do is buy a lottery ticket from any participating store and scratch the surface. When it reveals similar characters in one row or column, you'll win the prize.

Pachinko

Essentially, this particular type of game works like a slot machine. Instead of waiting for cash prizes, you will get to win gift certificates and vouchers that you can use to get products from participating retail stores around the metro. This is essentially done to circumvent the strict Japanese laws against gambling.

Racing Games

This is one of the most lawful ways to gamble in Japan. Whether you prefer a horse racing event or bicycle and car races, you can place your bets and hope to win any of these contests. Tourism and tax can promote these games. The good thing about this is that you don't have to worry about the police getting in your tail because of participation.

All you have to do is place your bet enjoy the game.

Exploring the Online Gambling Industry in Japan

In terms of online gaming, this is where the line blurs. Japanese laws have strict rules against physical gambling institutions. However, online games of any nature are complete and legal in the country. Perhaps this is because the introduction of mobile gaming technology in Japan came in quite late.

The good news is that you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy them. If you are fond of online gambling, there are many websites that can accommodate players from Japan and other countries as well. You just have to do a little bit of research to find them.

A great examples of online gaming portals that you can visit for entertainment you can find thanks to reviews on bitcoin casino. One advantage you can have with bitcoin casinos is that it is safe and secure to use. You wouldn't have to think about being hacked once you login and play.

As traveling to Japan can be quite enjoyable, chances are you won't even want to sit around in front of your computer to play in an online casino anyway. You would want to explore anything and everything that you would like to see in the country before you leave.

The Main Reason for Legalization

Gambling both in physical and online casinos can definitely give players a way to relax and properly enjoy themselves without any inhibitions. It provides entertainment and the diversion of retired professionals who may want to have some time to themselves after a hard day's work.

Why should we consider legalizing gambling as a whole? Isn't there another way to pass the time without having to spend too much money? Yes, there is. However, as part of the social and economic freedoms that can be afforded to any citizen by its government, the governing entity shouldn't dictate how people get to spend their own hard-earned cash.

Conclusion

This is why gambling should already be legalized in Japan as soon as possible. It will not only be good for the people in terms of entertainment, it can also be good for the economy because many tourists will be able to travel to Japan and enjoy themselves while still allowing the Japanese government to make a sizable amount of revenue from any and all casinos that may pop up once gambling becomes legal in the country.

Once the Japanese government realizes the benefits of gambling, they will certainly be able to provide a safe and secure environment for those interested individuals to play in. Fortunately, gambling is already slowly being introduced in Japanese mainstream media. It's only a matter of time before everything falls into place for legalization.

Share this:

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• A little less than Warp Speed: Virginia getting less COVID-19 vaccine (1843)
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Recent News

Gambling institutions worldwide enjoyed a bump in share values following Japanese Parliament's approval of a much anticipated gambling bill in favor of the legalization of casinos for the island nation.

The recent announcement could all but seal the deal in terms of legalized gaming and open the doors for a much needed boom in interest from investors and tourists alike. Taking figures from other gaming destinations, CSLA analysts estimate the industry could generate as much as $40bn a year.

The news has casino institutions such as Las Vegas Sands, whose share rose 3%, and both Wynn and MGM resorts, who enjoyed a 2% increase following the parliamentary decision, very excited at the prospect of new territory to spread their influence. Macau operators are especially pleased with the news of another gambling hub opening in such close proximity to already established operations.

The idea of legalized gambling is not a new one in Japan. The prospect of legitimizing casinos has been a topic of fierce debate in parliament since as early as 1999. Among the chief concerns from opposition are the perceived social problems that would arise with the legalization of gambling and casino culture.

Games in the Spotlight

While there are some forms of gambling currently in place in, such as pachinko, the practice of wagering real money on games of chance has long been taboo.

The most popular game in Japan, Pachinko is a pinball-style game played vertically. Ball bearings are launched with a lever and sent screaming to the top of a game board pocked with metal pins and pockets of varying values waiting to catch fortune fated balls. Players watch with anticipation as their hopes are dashed with an uneventful fall or rewarded with a beneficial landing in a high-paying pocket. Despite Pachinko being illegal, it is tolerated and gambling parlors dedicated to the game are located throughout the nation.

The game works around legislation by having players ‘rent' out the balls used to play rather than buying them outright. Not only this, but prizes take the form of goods rather than cold hard cash since cash prizes are illegal. So, when a player has accumulated enough balls through play, the balls are turned in for a prize. These special prizes are then taken to a second location where the corresponding item can be exchanged for real money.

Lotteries, football pools and public sports do allow some forms of wager to generate income for the national and local governments. Even betting on the racing of horses, boats and bicycles has enjoyed a following in japan thanks to government supported bookmakers. However, it looks as though the new era of gaming in Japan will focus on Blackjack, Roulette, and other iconic casino entertainment.

Concerns from the public

While legislators, operators and those already positioned to reap the benefits of legalized gambling are eager to move forward, polls show that Japanese voters are largely opposed to the idea.

Many associate the world of gambling with Japanese organize crime element, the Yakuza, who are known to operate casinos illegally throughout Japan. The stigma runs deep and has been engrained in Japanese culture for generations.

According to a government survey conducted in 2014 jointly by the Health Ministry and research teams, more than 5 million adults, roughly 5% of the Japanese population at the time, were addicted to gambling. This figure is 500% that found in other countries. Many believe that the legalization of gambling will only further the problem and lead to an increase in gambling addicted adults as well as crime driven by those defaulting on gambling debts.

The phenomena is a social one and as no moral component according to Ichiro Tanioka, president of Osaka University and Japan's leading gambling scholar. He notes that neither Shintoism nor Buddhism, Japans most prominent belief systems, proscribe the act. Gambling in Japan is among the chief three vices, the other two being drinking and prostitution. As such, Gambling is seen not as a moral issue in Japan, but one of practicality. The act of gambling itself is not seen as the problem for most Japanese citizens, but rather the debt and crime that result from it.

Benefits at Home And From Abroad

Gambling will not be the only boon to the Japanese economy following the passage of recent legislation. Jobs in the trades and hospitality will surge as a result of increased construction and the need to fill hotel and resort positions. Large-scale casino and resort projects will provide these jobs for years to come and the promise of big-spending players from inside of Japan and abroad have many operators wringing their hands in anticipation.

Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe looked upon the prospect favorably in light of Japan receiving the 2020 Olympic bid. In addition, he remained hopeful the forecasted economic growth would make up for areas of industry where Japan had fallen in performance to foreign competitors, highlighting China and the consumer electronics sector.

The benefits won't stop at Japan's borders. International investors already have their eyes on the industry, with Las Vegas gaming magnate Sheldon Adelson reportedly willing to invest as much as $10bn in development.

Chief Executive of the International Casino Institute, Takashi Kiso offered his advice to prospective organizations looking to get in on the market by warning them that ownerships will most likely be shaped in joint ventures between foreign and domestic gambling companies. He cautioned that there was a substantial resistance to the idea of 100% foreign owned casinos on Japanese soil and that parliament would most likely rule out the possibility of such agreements.

Japan Casino Legalization

Grant Goverston, a Union Gaming research analyst, offered a very favorable outlook on gaming in Japan, stating, 'For the investment community, Japan is seen as the crown jewel of Asian gaming development outside of Macau'. With Macau revenue growth exceeding estimates in Q3 of this year and topping out at $2.3bn for September alone, the news has everyone's attention. However, the investment community will have to hold their horses. The passage of legislation won't outright legitimize the practice of gambling in Japan and open the doors for construction on new casinos, but rather it will begin the process of outlining regulations for the industry.