What is the gambling law in Japan?

The primary legislation governing gambling in Japan is the Penal Code (Chapter 23), which broadly prohibits most forms of gambling. However, there are significant exceptions to this rule. Certain public sports, such as horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, and motorcycle racing, are legal to bet on under specific acts.

Additionally, the national lottery (Takarakuji) and soccer pools (toto) are permitted. A major development in Japanese gambling law was the enactment of the Integrated Resort (IR) Implementation Law in 2018. This law legalizes the operation of land-based casinos within specific integrated resorts. The first of these resorts is planned to open in Osaka around 2030.

The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission (JCRC) was established in 2020 to oversee and regulate the forthcoming casino industry. This dual system of a general prohibition with specific, regulated exceptions creates a unique and often misunderstood legal landscape for gambling in the country.