Online gambling in Japan
National Police Agency
Closed
commercial market
Current
profile status
N/A
licensed age
Japan does not license private online casino, poker or sports-betting operators for domestic access. The National Police Agency states that gambling from Japan on an overseas-operated site is a crime regardless of whether that operator is lawful abroad, and explicitly includes sports betting. Since 25 September 2025, presenting illegal online-gambling sites or apps and publishing information that directs people in Japan to them are also prohibited.
Sports Betting
Prohibited
Online Casino
Prohibited
Online Poker
Prohibited
Atlas Market Rule Pack
A structured, source-linked view of the rules that shape entry and operation in Japan.
3
Verified rules
1
Rule categories
100%
Source coverage
None active
Change alerts
Domestic participation
Accessing an overseas-operated online casino from within Japan and gambling on it is a criminal offence; overseas legality does not create a Japanese exemption.
National Police Agency warningProducts in scope
The police guidance expressly covers baccarat, slots and sports betting, regardless of the service name or format.
National Police Agency product guidancePromotion and redirection
From 25 September 2025, the amended Basic Act on Measures Against Gambling Addiction prohibits presenting illegal online-gambling sites or apps and publishing information that directs domestic users to them.
National Police Agency amendment summaryDecision-support summary, not legal advice. Follow each primary source and confirm the current rule with the regulator before acting.
Jurisdiction-specific evidence
Operator status in Japan
These are jurisdiction-specific records, not endorsements. Restricted, revoked and other non-active statuses remain visible when supported by an official source.
No commercial operator records are expected.
This jurisdiction does not operate an open online-gambling licensing market. The empty operator list reflects the prohibition, not unfinished operator research.
Is online betting legal in Japan?
Online sports betting is currently prohibited in Japan.
Is online casino legal in Japan?
Online casino games are currently prohibited in Japan.
Who regulates gambling in Japan?
National Police Agency is the relevant authority for the prohibition or its enforcement in Japan. It does not operate an open online-gambling licensing regime.
What is the minimum gambling age in Japan?
There is no minimum age that makes prohibited online gambling lawful in Japan. The 20+ reference applies only to gambling activities or controls outside that prohibition where relevant.
National Police Agency
National Police Agency
Verification Note
Information is based on official regulatory sources. Always verify operator licensing status directly with National Police Agency before use.
Read our methodology