Laws and regulation

The base is a criminal ban on gambling; exceptions are limited: state/municipal lotteries (takarakuji), "public" betting on races and a number of sports (keiba, keirin, kyōtei/boat race, auto race) through authorized operators, as well as pachinko/pachislo - as "entertainment" under the law on the entertainment industry with a three-link exchange of prizes.

Online casinos and private bookmaking are prohibited; advertising and organization are subject to liability.

From 2016-2018 the IR (Integrated Resort) model has been in effect, allowing casinos only as part of integrated resorts with a limited number of licenses.

The National Casino Commission licenses operators and controls AML/KYC, responsible play, age/visits (for residents - limits and fees), strict advertising rules and exclusion of persons younger than the established threshold.

Regulation is built on the principles of "narrow gates": a high threshold for admission, local support, transparency of funding and long-term supervision of compliance.