The only legal type of gaming machines is pachinko (pachinko), or pachislot. This game is a symbiosis of slot and pinball. Pachinko are often reminiscent of popular all over the world slot machines. players are offered devices based on the plot of cult bestsellers, for example, Silent Hill. Today, there are more than 10 thousand gambling establishments in the country where you can play pachislot.
In online casinos in Japan, slots are especially in demand:
- Dragon King;
- Aloha! cluster pays;
- Big Bad Wolf;
- starburst;
- Gonzo’s Quest.
In virtual clubs, you can find pachinko emulators, but they are not particularly in demand among local players. In addition to pachislots, mahjong is a popular oriental table entertainment in the country. According to the principle of the game, this is an analogue of craps.
Many connoisseurs of excitement prefer to play right on the streets, but there are also underground halls where mahjong is offered. Most of them are controlled by criminal gangs. Despite the ban, there is an official professional Mahjong league in Japan.
Game machine manufacturers
Konami has long been the largest manufacturer of gaming machines in Japan. The provider started operations back in 1969, but in 2005 the headquarters was moved to Las Vegas. The company specializes both in the production of slot machines and in the development of video slots.
The most popular gambling games in Japan 2022 released under the Konami brand name:
- African Diamond;
- Ancient Dragon;
- ChipCity;
- China Shores;
- Rocky.
Many gamers know the brand thanks to the creation of such bestsellers as the dance simulator Dance Dance Revolution, the Silent Hill horror series, the first tactical spy game Metal Gear and others.
What payment systems are used in online casinos in Japan?
The most popular payment methods are available to Japanese players – bank cards, virtual wallets. US dollars, euros, cryptocurrency are accepted for payment. It is also allowed to play in the casino for Japanese yen. If the local currency is not supported by the gaming club, the conversion is carried out automatically at the current rate.
The table shows the available payment methods in popular Japanese online casinos for JPY:
| Top Online Casinos in Japan | VISA | MasterCard | Neteller | EcoPayz | Skrill | JCB | Venus Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VeraJohn | – | – | + | + | + | – | – |
| InterCasino | – | + | + | + | + | – | – |
| Casitabi | + | + | – | + | – | – | + |
| Casino Secret | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Lucky Nicki | – | – | + | – | + | + | – |
| Mystino | + | + | – | + | – | + | + |
| Live Casino House | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Bons Casino | + | + | – | – | – | + | + |
| Empire 777 | + | + | + | + | – | + | + |
Responsible Gaming Principles
In Japan, the fight against gambling addiction is taken very seriously. In this regard, specialized centers for helping gambling addicts have been opened in every corner of the country. In addition, the best Japanese casinos have measures for self-restraint. For example, setting limits on deposits, bet sizes, game time.
Also, to eliminate the risks of gambling addiction, it is allowed to play in a casino in Japan for free and even the minimum bets are accepted. If there are obvious symptoms of addiction, you can contact one of the best Japanese centers – National Hospital Organization Kurihama medical and addiction Center. You can make an appointment by calling +81 46-848-1550.
Land-based casinos in Japan
In early 2021, the media reported that construction of a $3.4 billion casino complex, or so-called integrated resort, had begun in Japan. This amount has been included in Yokohama’s 2021 budget.
Large companies can act as investors in the construction of the complex: Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd., Genting Singapore, Ltd., Melco Resorts and Entertainment, Ltd., Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc. and Shotoku Corp. After the buildings are erected, they will automatically receive casino licenses in Japan. Some of them are owners of gambling establishments in Macau, Singapore and other countries. Others represent the entertainment industry’s global network.
The most reputable operators in Las Vegas, Wynn Resorts, Ltd., were also interested in the construction of the complex of the first JP casinos. and Las Vegas Sands Corp. However, they did not pass the state selection.
conclusions
Japan is a prosperous country with a unique culture. Although the country’s economy is already on top, the authorities have decided to allow the construction of real, reliable and safe casinos without cheating with a good return to replenish the budget. Now only certain types of racing, lotteries and pachinko halls are licensed. At the same time, it is forbidden to play for money in Japanese casinos – criminal liability is provided for both the organizers and the players.
Online gambling is not legalized yet. But this does not prevent virtual clubs owned by operators from other countries with an international license from working. Slot machines, table and card games, Live casino are available to everyone. Most normal, honest and good online casinos in Japanese support the local currency.
It turns out a paradox: gambling for money is punishable by law, but this rule does not apply to electronic casinos. It remains to be hoped that the Japanese authorities will soften the measures against local operators and completely legalize the gambling industry.