Best Betting Sites In Japan 2026

Japan is the fourth biggest online gambling market in the world, surpassing $6 billion in revenue. Surprisingly enough, no brands operate in the land since gambling is prohibited; hence, no license exists. This leaves players with no option but to bet on online sportsbooks.

With an outdated regulatio...

Japan is the fourth biggest online gambling market in the world, surpassing $6 billion in revenue. Surprisingly enough, no brands operate in the land since gambling is prohibited; hence, no license exists. This leaves players with no option but to bet on online sportsbooks.

With an outdated regulation running from 1907, online gambling stands in a grey area, which means you can practically join any bookmaker of your choice and bet freely. They offer over 3,000 daily matches and Welcome Bonuses to upgrade your registration and increase your winnings.

On this page, we will provide you with a complete list of the best betting sites in Japan and explain step-by-step how to open a new account and play safely. Do authorities track down and prosecute individuals who bet online? How much is the gambling tax in the country? Let’s find out.

Dimitris Pappas Apr 8, 2021

Which Are The Best Betting Sites In Japan?

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Why Trust us?

We combine years of experience with thorough research. We are players ourselves and strive to provide the most unbiased bookmaker reviews. We evaluate factors like reliability, odds, mobile features and withdrawal speed. You can also find the best betting bonuses available for each sportsbook. Moreover, we always consider players' feedback and include it in our reviews.

Tested And Approved Betting Sites In Japan

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Certain bookmakers appear on Bookmakers.bet as part of commercial agreements. However, our editorial team maintains full independence. All reviews and ratings reflect expert evaluations and real user feedback, not sponsorship influence. We prioritize fairness, transparency, and your betting experience above any partnership considerations. Please always gamble responsibly and within your limits.

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What You Need to Know About Sports Betting in Japan

Chapter 23 of the Penal Code of Japan states that gambling is illegal. However, the law dates back to 1907 and is vastly outdated. With no proper modern gambling framework, there are exceptions everywhere. As a result, some forms of sports betting are actually legal.

Perhaps the country's most popular form of gambling is pachinko, a mixture of slot machines and pinball. The so-called ‘public sports,’ including horse racing, motorcycle racing, bicycle racing and powerboat racing, are also legal under local (municipal) and nationwide laws. Note that all of them take place in the form of parimutuel betting.

Casinos were illegal until a 2016 law directive set the framework for their operations. Just a few years ago, it was finally decided to allow the issuance of licenses all over the country. Still, until 2024, no casinos opened their doors to locals or foreigners.

Is Online Betting in Japan Legal?

Online betting is also typically illegal in Japan, so no licensed bookmakers exist. This is why most users visit international sportsbooks to place wagers. Despite the fact that it is illegal, Japanes...

Online betting is also typically illegal in Japan, so no licensed bookmakers exist. This is why most users visit international sportsbooks to place wagers. Despite the fact that it is illegal, Japanese authorities have taken little to no action against it.

So, the only way to wager online is to register with an international sportsbook offering services to local players. A VPN is still strongly advisable to make your life easier and decrease the chances of being detected.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?

Winnings from gambling in Japan are listed as income. They are often considered temporary income instead of miscellaneous or business income. Players must declare all their winnings, with the annual p...

Winnings from gambling in Japan are listed as income. They are often considered temporary income instead of miscellaneous or business income. Players must declare all their winnings, with the annual profit limit being ¥500,000.

If the profit is lower than this, there is no tax on winnings. On the other hand, if the amount is higher, there is a tax that ranges between 5% and 45% based on the total profits. For example, winnings up to ¥1,950,000 are subject to a 5% tax, while winnings over ¥18,000,000 are taxed at 45%. Nonetheless, we’d advise caution with all online activities, especially those involving bank transfers and debit/credit cards.

What Are The Limitations of Betting Sites in Japan?

Due to the current state of online betting in Japan, some obvious shortcomings can be observed. First and foremost, there is no local authority overseeing the activities, which means that it is challe...

Due to the current state of online betting in Japan, some obvious shortcomings can be observed. First and foremost, there is no local authority overseeing the activities, which means that it is challenging for locals to file complaints or even to join a self-exclusion program.

In addition, most sites do not accept Japanese yen as a currency, which leads to conversion rates. Finally, we have noticed many players, especially those using a VPN service, having issues with the bookmakers' KYC verification processes.

Do Japanese Betting Sites Offer Mobile Apps?

The answer is close to what we have already mentioned. Although online gambling might not be legal, players can download and install applications as long as they can access the sites. Among the most no...

The answer is close to what we have already mentioned. Although online gambling might not be legal, players can download and install applications as long as they can access the sites. Among the most notable brands that have developed a native application and accept Japanese players are 1xbet and 22bet. For more info, check out our guide to the best mobile bookmakers.

What Is The Trajectory Of Online Betting In Japan

Gambling in Japan can be traced back centuries, and for years, it was legal. All that until 1907, when local authorities decided to ban most forms. However, as you can imagine, this system, which is still in effect today, is archaic.

In 2023, the Japanese sports betting market generated a revenue of $5.1 billion. It is also estimated that this number will grow at least 10% annually until 2030. Sports like baseball and football gather the most attention, while fighting sports and tennis are also highly regarded.

Baseball

Over the last few years, baseball has become the number-one sport both in terms of attendance and participation (51.8% of the population) and sports betting in Japan. Professional baseball in the coun...

Over the last few years, baseball has become the number-one sport both in terms of attendance and participation (51.8% of the population) and sports betting in Japan. Professional baseball in the country dates back to 1934, making it the oldest pro league in any team sport. The Nippon Professional Baseball League is divided into the Central and Pacific Leagues, with six teams each. Bettors can wager on 144 regular-season and playoff matches from March to October.

Sumo

It is no secret that sumo is the national sport in Japan. The first professional competitions between sumo wrestlers began in the 17th century when spectators were allowed to wager on the winner. Toda...

It is no secret that sumo is the national sport in Japan. The first professional competitions between sumo wrestlers began in the 17th century when spectators were allowed to wager on the winner. Today, there are six major tournaments all year round, offering players many gambling opportunities. However, the list of sportsbooks offering odds on sumo is limited. This is why players turn to other fighting sports, including boxing and MMA.

Football

Football has exploded in popularity in the country, mainly due to the national team’s successes in the World Cup. It is estimated that 24.4% of the population watches football regularly. In addition...

Football has exploded in popularity in the country, mainly due to the national team’s successes in the World Cup. It is estimated that 24.4% of the population watches football regularly. In addition, the domestic league, known as the J-League, alongside the lower-tier competitions, gathers significant interest, especially in gambling. Many international Japan betting sites offer high odds and a wide range of markets for the J-League.

Golf

For years, golf was elusive to Japanese residents. However, the opening of the first golf course in Tokyo in 1914, alongside the transformation of the social class system after WWII, saw an increase i...

For years, golf was elusive to Japanese residents. However, the opening of the first golf course in Tokyo in 1914, alongside the transformation of the social class system after WWII, saw an increase in participation and, subsequently, popularity. Today, the Japan Golf Tour is ranked third in the highest-prized tournaments worldwide, behind the PGA and the European Tours. Understandably, many bettors place their wagers on golf, with the interest rising notably every year.

How To Start Sports Betting In Japan - Step By Step

If you are a newbie and wonder how to start your gambling journey, don't worry. Simply follow the steps below, and your new account will be up and running in no time.

Choose a Bookie: First, pick the bookmaker that best suits your needs. Due to the limitations, you should read our bookmaker ratings c...

If you are a newbie and wonder how to start your gambling journey, don't worry. Simply follow the steps below, and your new account will be up and running in no time.

Choose a Bookie: First, pick the bookmaker that best suits your needs. Due to the limitations, you should read our bookmaker ratings carefully to ensure the site ticks all your boxes.
Register an Account: Once you have picked a betting site in Japan, click on the link to visit the official website. Tap on the register button and input all the information the site demands.
Top up your account: After you have created your new account with the bookie, go to the cashier and add money to your account. If you are after betting bonuses, be careful to match the minimum deposit required.
Start betting: Once you do everything above, you can start browsing through the sportsbook and place your bets. You can save your preferred sports and leagues under your favourites tab to find them instantly when you visit the site.

Local and International Transaction Methods

Since online betting in Japan is illegal, banks have elected to apply several restrictions to block activities as much as possible. This is why you should avoid using methods that raise suspicion, such as debit cards and bank wires. Instead, local players have found ways to continue betting under the radar.

Venus Point

This is another unique payment system only available to Japanese residents. Essentially, you can go to local stores to buy points, which, in return, can be exchanged for real currency online. However, Venus Point payments face the same issue as the iWallet in terms of availability in online bookies.

E-wallets

This is the safest method to add money to your balance. Sticpay, Jeton, WebMoney, and Payz betting sites offer their services in Japan. They allow you to transfer money to and from your account without showing where it originates.

Prepaid Cards

Another way to avoid all the irritating gambling regulations in the country is by performing transactions with prepaid cards. Some of the most popular ones are Astropay and Vanilla Visa. However, remember that prepaid cards can only be used for deposits, not withdrawals.

iWallet

This is one of the latest e-wallets accessible only to locals. Like the international ones, it can be used to transfer money to your account safely. However, the problem is that few Japanese betting sites accept it.

Do the Japan Betting Sites Allow Cryptocurrencies?

Japan is probably the world’s most progressive nation in terms of cryptocurrencies. Reports indicate that the country currently has the largest market for Bitcoin worldwide. Japan is also very popul...

Japan is probably the world’s most progressive nation in terms of cryptocurrencies. Reports indicate that the country currently has the largest market for Bitcoin worldwide. Japan is also very popular for Ethereum, as are Dogecoin, Litecoin, Tron, Tether and XRP. Nevertheless, progress has come with regulation.

Under the current Payment Services Act, cryptocurrencies are considered legal property. Income from transactions of any kind made with cryptocurrencies is considered 'miscellaneous income' and is taxed as such. Crypto seems to be the future in the Japanese gambling landscape, probably more than in any other place.

Are Credit Card Deposits Accepted?

Credit card payments have been slowly expanding in the country's online gambling scene. The JCB card is by far the most popular one. Moreover, several online betting sites in Japan have already added...

Credit card payments have been slowly expanding in the country's online gambling scene. The JCB card is by far the most popular one. Moreover, several online betting sites in Japan have already added it to their cashiers. The problem with JCB, and credit cards in general, is that authorities can easily track your activities. So, if you elect to bet with credit cards, you should minimise your sessions to avoid detection.

Sports Betting in Japan: What Does the Future Hold

The recent decision to allow the construction of three casino resorts is a game-changer. A few years back, no one could have expected such a move. It is probably because local authorities have realised that, with such a huge internet penetration and growing numbers of online providers, a change in l...

The recent decision to allow the construction of three casino resorts is a game-changer. A few years back, no one could have expected such a move. It is probably because local authorities have realised that, with such a huge internet penetration and growing numbers of online providers, a change in legislation might be beneficial.

That is because if online and land-based gambling were eventually legal, the state could benefit from both. More specifically, it would continue to protect players against gambling addiction by regulating the market.

On the other hand, it would generate hundreds of millions of yen through taxation. This is why we expect the recent casino legalisation to spark the fire, leading to the establishment of a local gambling authority and the steady and slow appearance of local betting sites in Japan.

Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries

When engaging in online betting, it is prudent to familiarize oneself with the gambling regulations applicable in neighbouring countries. Despite their geographical proximity, these nations may have distinct and unique gambling laws in place.

Gaining...

When engaging in online betting, it is prudent to familiarize oneself with the gambling regulations applicable in neighbouring countries. Despite their geographical proximity, these nations may have distinct and unique gambling laws in place.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these regulations can provide valuable insights and enable individuals to make well-informed decisions while ensuring compliance with the local legal requirements. To access further guidance, please refer to the provided guides below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay tax on my winnings?

All gambling winnings, up to ¥500.000 annually, are tax-free. If you win over this amount, your winnings will be taxed as personal income. Additionally, money won from cryptocurrencies is taxed since cryptos are considered assets in Japan.

What are the most popular sports to bet on?

The most popular sport to bet on is undoubtedly baseball, with the local NPB attracting millions of fans. Football, with the local J League, fighting sports, including sumo and MMA, and golf also gather considerable interest.

Is online betting in Japan legal?

The answer is no and yes. More specifically, the so-called public sports (motor, bicycle, boat, and horse racing) and slot machines (pachinko) are allowed. All other forms of gambling are illegal. However, authorities do not seem very keen on persecuting players who wager online.

Which are the best betting sites in Japan?

You will find that dozens of international online bookmakers offer their services to Japanese bettors. Among the most popular ones, locals like wagering on 1xbet, 22bet, N1bet, and 20bet.

What deposit method can I use at Japanese betting sites?

To avoid the restrictions around online gambling, most players elect to perform transactions with e-wallets, such as Sticpay, Jeton, Ecopayz, or iWallet, and prepaid cards, like Astropay and Vanilla Visa. Another method that has slowly gained traction is Venus Point.

How do you bet on Japan betting sites?

The steps for placing a wager on a bookmaker are straightforward. First, you must open a new account and deposit money into your balance. Then, navigate the sportsbook to find the sport and market you seek. Click on it, choose your stake, and confirm your wager.