Economics and statistics

The Japanese gambling market is formally based on "permitted" categories and is actually divided into four large income zones.

The largest segment is pachinko/pachislot: tens of thousands of halls and millions of devices provide the lion's share of revenue, although the long-term trend is gradual stagnation due to demography, tougher rules and competition with smartphone leisure.

The second block is state-controlled sweepstakes: horse racing (JRA/NAR), keirin (cycle track), boat racing (kyōtei) and auto/moto racing - a stable source of contributions to budgets and funds, with a growing share of online bets through official applications.

The third pillar is lotteries (takarakuji), traditionally popular and promoted by municipalities.

The fourth direction is integrated resorts (IR) with casinos: these are investment megaprojects designed for tourism, MICE and a multiplier effect for the regional economy after launch.

The tax and quasi-tax burden is high: operators pay fees and deductions to trust funds, and winnings in certain categories are taxable from the player.

Sales channels are shifting to digital: cashless payments and mobile services are growing, although offline still dominates.

The demand profile is formed by adults and age audiences; responsible play measures (limits, self-exclusion, KYC/AML) are consistently increased.

Key trends until 2030: a moderate decline in pachinko, an increase in online channels for legal sweepstakes and lotteries, as well as IR's contribution to tourism, employment and related service industries.