The Best Online Sports Betting Sites in Japan

History of Gambling in Japan

When it comes to Japan's history with gambling in general, we can say that the country has followed a similar path to many other well-developed nations, such as the US and China. Gambling goes a long way back in Japan, as we can trace it back to the Heian period, and one of the earliest games to have been played in the country was a backgammon version.

As was the case with the other mentioned nations, gambling spread very fast in Japan and was quickly embraced by the nation. Nonetheless, despite the widespread acceptance by residents, it took several centuries for gambling laws to be introduced. Back in the 13th century, everyone who was caught gambling in any form faced severe penalties - which sometimes could be execution!

That legislation remained in place for a long time - all the way to the 18th century when all gambling activities were legalised. However, in 1907, the Penal Code was established, banning all sorts of gambling activities in Japan.

Current Online Betting Regulation in Japan

Before we take a look at the best betting sites in Japan, let's walk you through the legislation of the industry. At the moment, sports betting in Japan is operated by the public or semi-public sector and wagering on only four sports is allowed:

• Horse racing
• Track cycling
• Motorboat racing
• Motorcycle racing

In a nutshell, at the moment, online gambling is not allowed under the Penal Code of the country. It states that all individuals are prohibited from gambling or running a gambling place for profit, so there are no licensed private entities offering sports betting in the country.

Nonetheless, sports betting activities outside of Japan are not part of the gambling-related crimes under the Penal Code. If a sports betting site is located outside Japan and offers sports betting services to Japanese residents, it would be difficult to stop users from accessing such bookies.

Therefore, in reality, Japanese punters use offshore sports betting sites, and there hasn't been a case of someone being criminally charged for such activities. Many international betting sites accept Japanese players, but it's important to understand that these sites operate in a legal grey area.

What Does the Future Hold?

Nonetheless, we can say that there are some movements inside the government that may indicate a change in the legislation. Some reports dating back to 2021 stated that the Japanese government began discussions about making sports betting legal (notably, baseball and football - the two most popular sports in the country).

As such, the sports business subcommittee of the ruling Liberal and Democratic Party released a proposal on how to make the sports industry a growing one. With it, they urged the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry as well as the Japan Sports Agency to discuss the efficient ways to use sports betting and all its advantages.

• The Subcommittee takes the US and Europe as reference points - a legal sports betting market will increase tax revenues and develop the industry even further. The current scenario sees Japanese punters wager at offshore online betting sites, thus the revenue is outflowed abroad.

• The Liberal and Democratic Party of Japan admitted recently that it held several discussions within the party about legalising online bookmakers. However, it states that it is very important to make a firm scheme on how the sector will run and identify the entities to run the entire operations.

• However, most other parties in the political scene objected to the move and asked for more thorough discussions about the disadvantages online sports betting would impose - especially from the gambling-related problems and unjust rigging point of view.

Key Facts and Stats About Online Betting in Japan

• Some estimates say that the entire online gambling scene in Japan is expected to reach an annual growth rate of 4.92% by 2028.

• As for the sports betting sector, the market volume is expected to reach about $32,000,000 in 2024.

• Even though Japan has a rich gambling culture, the average Japanese bettor does not spend more than $5 when wagering online.

• The favourite sport among Japanese bettors is football. Alongside, baseball, basketball, horse racing, and motor racing are also popular sports.

• 18-24 years old residents constitute about 25% of all gamblers in the country, closely followed by 35-44 years old people who make up about 24% of all punters.

Top Sports Betting Sites in Japan By Category

Finding the perfect online betting site in Japan is not an easy task. Different bookies have different strategies for attracting players and they base their offer on the target group of players, their preferences, etc.

This means that Japanese betting sites will excel in different categories, catering to the needs of different groups of punters. So, we have done extensive research on the best features of some of the leading sports betting sites in Japan, and this is what we came up with.

Free Bets and Offers in Japanese Top Sports Betting Sites

If you have followed us for some time now, you will surely know how highly we rate bookies who offer hefty bonuses and promotions. Everyone at Betpack is a huge fan of bonuses as we see them as nice tools that can help you achieve even bigger wins.

As sports betting sites compete over who attracts more players to register, they tend to incentivize players to join with some rewarding betting offers. Let's check out the most common ones you will encounter at our recommended bookmakers.

First Deposit Bonus

As the name itself suggests, a first deposit bonus is a special promotion that newly registered players are entitled to claim once they register and make their first deposit with one of the available payment methods. First deposit bonuses can come in many different forms, but a couple stand out:

• A deposit match bonus
• Free bet offer

Be aware that there will always be a minimum deposit amount you will need to adhere to to be able to claim the welcome bonus. In addition, the first deposit bonus also comes with restrictive wagering requirements, meaning that you won't be able to instantly withdraw your winnings.

Free Bets

Free bets are arguably the most sought-after promotions in the sports betting world, and it is easy to see why. A free bet is an offer that you can use to increase your bankroll. The bookie will often specify the amount you need to stake to get an additional sum as a free bet.

A common example is a bookie asking users to deposit $10 and get another $10 as free bets, but there are certain limitations to note. First off, there will always be minimum odds associated and a specific number of selections to include in your bet slip.

No-Deposit Free Bets

No-deposit free bets have the complete opposite structure of their counterparts mentioned above. This type of offer allows you to place a bet completely for free! All you will have to do is maybe top up your account when you start your gambling journey at one of our suggested bookies and enjoy the magic of the no-deposit free bet.

Note that there may be some wagering requirements attached to the winnings you make from this type of offer.

Cashback

A cashback promotion is another no-deposit type of offer you will be eligible to claim at Japanese sportsbooks - especially if you are a regular punter who wagers bigger amounts.

Everyone can go through bad patches of online sports betting, so that is why good cashback deals can be very helpful. Usually, bookies will offer cashback promotions every week, but you will need to satisfy a minimum loss or deposit criteria to claim the offer.

Additionally, there will always be an upper cap on how much you can get as a cashback deal, but the best thing about this promotion is that the money you receive is often not tied to wagering requirements.

Reload Offers

Reload offers are also quite common and they are very versatile. As the name would imply, reload offers will boost your bankroll, and it can be in a few different forms - from free bets to deposit matched bonuses.

The exact structure and the timing of the reload bonus will be specific to every bookmaker on our list, but this is one of the most used promotions. Depending on whether you like the terms and conditions of the bonus, claiming reload promotions is almost always a good idea!

Enhanced Odds

Sportsbooks will often try to incentivize you to wager on a specific event by offering boosted odds. As a result, you can expect better value than the one you would have normally got if you wagered through the regular sports betting section.

More often than not, bookmakers will allow you to include just one selection with boosted odds in your betslip, but some may allow more.

Acca Bonus

Unlike an acca boost, an accumulator bonus is only available to use before you place your wager, so you will always know what is required to get the promotion.

An example would make everything much more clear. Let's say you have placed a four-fold accumulator bet from football events in the Premier League. The bookie can specify that if four predictions from the Premier League each weekend turn out to be correct, they will reward you with a 50% bonus on top of your winnings.

Payment Methods at the Best Sports Betting Sites in Japan

Payment methods are another vital pillar that often shapes how Japanese players perceive sports betting sites in the country. Everyone has different preferences for their deposits and withdrawals, so it is important for each online betting Japan site to have a versatile list of deposit and withdrawal options.

So, which payment methods can you expect at our suggested bookies above? Let's see the most common ones.

Credit And Debit Cards

Any list of online payment methods has to start with credit and debit cards, as they are very widespread in the world. Almost everyone in Japan owns such cards, so it is a no-brainer to see them among the leading payment methods at bookies.

However, be aware that many card issuers won't allow you to make gambling-related transactions with their credit card. That rule will be explicitly mentioned in the terms and conditions when you get a credit card, so you have to double-check this with the institution.

On the other hand, there are no such restrictions with debit cards. They are very simple to use, and the process of making deposits with them doesn't differ from any other order online - you just enter your card number, and the CVC and make the transaction.

Arguably the biggest negative about card betting is the withdrawal speed. Card payouts can sometimes take up to 5 business days to complete. With that in mind, the three most common card payment methods you will encounter are:

• American Express
• Visa
• MasterCard

E-Wallets

E-wallets are digital payment methods that allow punters to store, manage and transfer funds to and from their casino accounts. These payment methods are very commonly used in the Japanese betting community due to their convenience and security. To get started, you first need to choose your e-wallet, with the most common choices among punters being:

• PayPal
• Skrill
• Neteller
• Payz
• Revolut

Then, you will have to go through the short registration process at the e-wallet. Note that during the registration process, you will need to provide extensive personal and financial information - as part of the KYC process.

Once you complete it, you will need to fund your e-wallet account through your credit/debit card or bank account. Only then, you can head to the cashier section of the bookie, choose the e-wallet and make your deposit.

A big advantage that comes with using any of the above-mentioned e-wallets is their transaction speed. The processing time may differ, but you are sure to get your funds much quicker compared to debit cards.

Prepaid Vouchers

Prepaid vouchers are great depositing methods for bettors who would like to budget their online sports betting activity or the ones who want a bit of privacy when making wagers. Prepaid vouchers don't ask for bank details when using them, which is very convenient.

Paysafecard is arguably the most prominent prepaid voucher that is commonly used among bettors in the world. Various retail stores offer it and it always comes with a predetermined amount. You can only deposit at the casino as much as you have put on the Paysafecard, hence the budget-friendly appeal of the payment method.

Cryptocurrencies

Finally, we cannot neglect the importance of cryptocurrencies in today's online sports betting world. Cryptocurrencies seem to have integrated all the advantages that the above-mentioned payment methods have combined:

• Convenience
• Low fees
• Instant transactions
• Anonymity

Cryptocurrencies are decentralized by nature. As there is no central authority, institution, or government overseeing your transactions, you can expect near-instant deposits and withdrawals, with very low fees. In addition, thanks to the blockchain technology upon which cryptocurrencies run, all transactions are completely secure.

Crypto bookies have the added advantage of not asking for detailed KYC procedures when new players sign up, hence the anonymity when betting at these sites. Very often, you will only need to verify your new account with your email and start betting instantly. What is even more appealing is that as crypto bookies are relatively new to the betting scene, they tend to offer much more hefty bonuses and promotions.

Be wary though of their volatile nature. Since cryptocurrencies are not controlled by central authorities, their value can fluctuate all the time. With all that in mind, the cryptocurrencies you will encounter at Japanese betting sites are:

• Bitcoin
• Ether
• Litecoin
• Tether
• Dogecoin

Most Popular Sports to Bet on At Japanese Online Bookies

Japan has so much more to offer than sushi and samurai, with various sports being embedded into the country's culture. Sports popularity transcends into online betting as well, as punters in the country seek to transmit their sports knowledge into potentially profitable bets. Let's take a look at which are the most popular sports for betting in Japan.

Baseball

First off, we have baseball, a sport that has about 5 million active players in Japan, so you can imagine how popular it is. Baseball was introduced in Japan back in the 19th century and is also known as "Yakyu" in Japanese.

The Nippon Professional Baseball League is Japan's highest competitive baseball league in the country. It draws millions of spectators every season, and the national team called Samurai Japan has enjoyed a fair share of prizes on an international level.

Arguably the most prominent baseball player from Japan is Ichiro Suzuki. He is one of the best players who have ever graced Major League Baseball in the USA, with baseball fans from all around the world admiring his determination and success.

Baseball is much more than just a sport in Japan, all of the leading baseball betting sites we have recommended offer you tons of international tournaments to wager on:

• World Series
• MLB
• American League Championship Series
• National League Championship Series
• World Baseball Classic

Football

No discussion about sports in Japan can go through without at least a mention of football. Football betting is one of the most popular activities at each bookie in the country, and no one should really be surprised.

There are about 1.8 million football players in Japan, all looking to emulate the success of the likes of Takumi Minamino and Nidetoshi Nakata. Japan's national team is known as the Samurai Blue has enjoyed widespread recognition, and it represented the country at various World Cups.

Going back to the most popular football players, both Minamino and Nakata have played their trade across various clubs in Europe, raising Japan's football reputation. The domestic excitement and Japan's international success mean that football's influence in the country is likely to rise even more in the coming years. Just some of the football competitions you will be able to place wagers on include:

• Japan Football League
• Premier League
• Serie A
• Bundesliga
• La Liga
• Champions League
• World Cup
• Asia Cup of Nations

All top betting sites in Japan will allow you to exploit tons of sports betting markets when wagering on a football competition. From outright bets, to match winners, handicaps, total goals, half-time/full-time, and player props - everything you can imagine is at your disposal!

Judo

Moving on, judo deserves a special mention, as a deep-rooted martial art and an Olympic sport founded in Japan back in 1882. Some estimates say that there are a total of 300,000 active judo players in Japan.

This is a sport that emphasizes both physical and mental discipline, and it requires a specific blend of techniques and principles. As you would imagine, Japan is home to several world and Olympic champions. Arguably the most accomplished individual is Tadahiro Nomura, as he has won three Olympic gold medals in a row!

Everyone associated with judo has heard of The Kodokan - the headquarters and the birthplace of the martial arts. Judo emphasizes Japan's respect for tradition, discipline and sportsmanship, and as an Olympic sport, you will have a wide array of betting options for it!

eSports

Finally, a special mention goes to eSports betting - a new form of online wagering that has caught the online gambling industry by storm in recent years. Electronic sports represent competitive computer gaming, as individual players and teams compete in international leagues and tournaments with stunning prize pools up for grabs.

eSports betting sites nowadays allow you to wager on the outcomes of these events, and the options are endless. Regardless of whether you are a fan of FIFA, LOL, CS2, Dota, etc. the betting options at bookies we suggest come in clutch. From first blood, first baron, correct points, and tournament winners - you have tons of betting markets to choose from!

Mobile Betting in Japan

Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world, and as such, its mobile market continues to thrive. There is a significant number of smartphone users in the country, with some reports stating that mobile device usage in Japan tripled in the past 10 years - close to 100 minutes per day for each person.

Just last year, it was estimated that Japan has more than 110 smartphone users, which is about 85% of the total population of the country. Therefore, it is a no-brainer to say that Japan has a mobile-centric culture and a widespread integration of smartphones into everyone's daily life.

When you look at the future, the numbers will probably look more staggering. By 2027, it is expected that 94% of the population will own a smartphone. As such, it doesn't take a genius to see that mobile betting is the future of the entire gambling industry in Japan. Nowadays, if bookies are to remain competitive in the saturated Japanese sports betting scene, they must at least make their sites compatible with mobile devices.

You should always be able to access your favourite online sports betting site from your mobile web browser, but some bookies even go a step further by developing mobile betting apps that you can download from any device for free. If you are a mobile betting enthusiast, you will be happy to know that all of the online sportsbooks we recommended are mobile-friendly!

Most Trusted Betting Sites in Japan

Now that we have separated all betting sites in Japan by category, we can look at the ones that really stand out and provide almost a complete betting offer. When doing our research, we have completed the criteria mentioned above - we looked at the license of the bookie, payment methods, welcome bonus, free bets and additional promotions, as well as the support team.

A Sports Betting Market on the Rise

All in all, we can safely say that the Japanese sports betting market is undoubtedly a rising one and one to look out for in the coming years. Even though, at the moment, online wagering is not a legal activity in the country, the government is taking steps in the right direction. The country surely sees the benefits that come with a fully regulated sector - more taxes, no illegal gambling activities and a secure betting industry for all Japanese residents.

At the moment, though, if you are based in Japan, you have to rely on offshore bookies that accept players from your country. You will be happy to know that there is an abundance of those, and this guide is the proof!

We have more than enough sports betting operators to suggest, so now that you know all about the betting industry in Japan, feel free to take a look at the list of bookies above, compare and choose one that matches your preferences the most.

All you have to do is remember to gamble responsibly, thus ensuring that online sports betting remains just a nice pastime activity!