Japan is a country with a distinctive culture that many people still find difficult to comprehend. On the one hand, the Japanese are known for their strict etiquette and professionalism, but on the other hand, they are the people that set the trends when it comes to fascinating devices and great technology. Still, one thing is for sure – when the Japanese focus on a certain business, it will flourish in the next years.
The same thing happened with the gambling industry, which was formerly prohibited in Japan. Back in the day, the Japanese could only wager on certain sporting activities, such as bicycle racing and horse racing. Motorbiking and boat racing were later added to the list, but for the most part, it was all that was available for individuals in Japan to try their luck on. And, of course, the popular Pachinko machines, which can be played at designated parlors.
However, things seem to move in a different, better direction thanks to the help of one little ally – the internet. While the situation with Japanese-based casinos is still uncertain in the country, gambling aficionados may still play casino games online using one of the many accessible platforms. Online casinos have gone a long way to accommodate Japanese players, offering Japanese-translated websites and a variety of gaming options. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a Japanese online gambling company to open a platform offshore, only to be able to provide Japanese players with gambling options.
There are a few things to consider if you want to play at a Japanese online casino. Continue reading to learn more about the online gambling industry in Japan, with a series of questions answered by experts.
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-playing-poker-3279691/
What is the most popular form of gambling in Japan?
Japanese gamblers don’t, unfortunately, have access to too many types of casino activities inside the country unless they choose to play at offshore online casinos. Still, no matter how much online casinos try to win Japanese players over, the unequalled champions in Japanese players’ preferences remain the traditional Pachinko machines. These machines appeared first as kids’ entertainment but quickly evolved to become the country’s favorite gambling activity.
Pachinko machines are a combination of slot games and pinball machines, with a very unique approach that appeals to the Japanese culture, unlike anything you’ve ever seen in a casino movie.
While not as exciting as the games found in internet casinos, Pachinko is legal in Japan and capitalizes on people’s desire for gambling games. Although the game has declined in popularity in recent years, owing primarily to people’s eagerness to explore other forms of gambling, Pachinko remains the most played gambling game in Japan. In 2019, the Pachinko industry netted no less than $190 billion.
Are land-based casinos legal in Japan?
Before 2018, Japanese gamblers could only interact with land-based casinos when traveling abroad. Nonetheless, beginning in 2018, the country made it permissible for particular types of land-based gambling facilities to open, owing mostly to demand from citizens within the country.
Another reason the administration consented to allow these venues to open was the belief that it would promote tourism and provide foreigners with a new purpose to visit Japan. If land-based casinos are adequately regulated, they may be integrated into entertainment resorts, increasing income for both enterprises and the government.
The market is still in its infancy, and there are many things to be taken care of before Japanese players can fully enjoy land-based casinos. Until then, the best way for Japanese players to enjoy casino games remains online, where they have plenty of options to choose from, such as for example, the user-friendly online casino 21.com.
What about online casinos?
When it comes to gambling in Japan, the rules are a little strict, but the internet environment is a free world with few restrictions. As a result, numerous online casinos cater to Japanese gamers as well.
If you want to try your luck at online casinos, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you open an account with a reliable platform that cares about the player and provides a good gaming experience.
The most essential thing to look for is deposit and withdrawal choices since you don’t want to be unable to enjoy your wins when the time comes. Next, consider the bonuses that these casinos provide since these can become a significant edge and boost your wins. Also, make sure the platform acts smoothly, and that you don’t waste time waiting for games to load or, worse, having your favorite game crash right when you’re on a winning streak.
Which online casino games do the Japanese enjoy?
Because physical poker is prohibited in Japan, internet poker has grown in popularity. We’ll go into some of the other top choices for online Japanese players later, but for now, let’s just say poker is towards the top of the list. This simply goes to demonstrate how appealing the game is to people of all ages!
In addition to poker, internet gambling in Japan includes both popular and alternative alternatives. Blackjack, roulette, and online slot machines are popular casino games among the Japanese, as are interactive and distinctive online “game shows.”
The Japanese, particularly the older generations, also like playing bingo online. As online gambling choices increase, you can guarantee that even more unique possibilities for would-be gamblers will emerge!
Will online gambling become fully legal in Japan?
Given the recent reforms, we believe it is reasonable to anticipate that it will only be a matter of time before casinos are completely regulated in Japan. Land-based casinos have the potential to not only attract tourists, as the government believes but also to meet the demands of many Japanese gamers that simply want to be able to enter a casino and play their favorite games in a regulated environment.
Online casinos have the potential to bring in additional money for the country; therefore we believe the government will find a method to regulate them as well, following Western models and giving more entertainment options to players in the country.