Millions of Japanese people enjoy gambling on a regular basis, but that enthusiasm is not shared by the authorities, with most forms of betting being illegal in the Land of the Rising Sun. However, it is possible to access sports betting sites based outside the country and many reputable sportsbooks are keen to provide services to Japanese bettors.
So we’re here to bring you our guide to the best online betting sites available in Japan. We’ll be sharing our favourite sites and explaining exactly why they made the cut. In addition, we’ll be looking at all the different new and existing customer promotions that are available and checking out special site features at the best betting sites in Japan. And of course, we’ll also be providing some top tips to help you bet effectively and responsibly. So let’s get to it!
Best Sports Betting Sites In Japan & Online Betting Offers For 2022
- All
- Cashback
- Loyalty Programme
- Reload Bonuses
- Free Bet
- Accumulator Boost
- Esports Live Streaming
- Odds Boosts
- Acca Boost
- Bet Builder
- Live Esports Streaming
- Live streaming
- Crypto
- Telegram Betting
- More Filters
Top Rated200% Bonus up to $10,000 + 50 Free Spins
02/12/22200% Bonus up to $10,000 + 50 Free Spins
- Top rated new casino and sportsbook
- Excellent selection of live casino games
- Super range of Esports
9.8NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00The 15% cashback is only on your net losses for the first 7 days after your registration. The day you sign up is considered as your first day, so for example, if you register on a Monday, you will have until the following Sunday to play and accumulate a cashback amount. After the 7th day, in this example - from Monday onwards you will have to contact our Customer Support and pick in which cryptocurrency you wish to receive your 15% cashback. If you do not have net losses for the first 7 days, you will not be entitled for this promotion.Sign up with Lucky Block. Deposit and play. On the 8th day after your signup you will have a 15% Cashback accumulated. Contact our Customer Support and let us know in what currency you wish to receive your cashback. Enjoy your extra chances for big wins!200% Bonus Up To 1BTC + 50 Free Spins
19/07/23200% Bonus Up To 1BTC + 50 Free Spins
- Newly launched crypto casino & bookmaker
- World's First Licensed Telegram Casino
- Instant registration with no email verification
9.8NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00Up To $2,500 Bonus + $10 Free Bet
11/12/22Up To $2,500 Bonus + $10 Free Bet
- Bonus applied to first five deposits
- Cashback and rebate offers
- Football player props & combination markets
9.8NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00$2,000 + $10 Free Bet
11/12/22$2,000 + $10 Free Bet
- Four reload bonuses
- $10 Free Bet after depositing for the first time
- Sports Cashback between 5% and 12.5% each week
9.7NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00100% Deposit Sports Bonus Up To $100
11/12/22100% Deposit Sports Bonus Up To $100
- Two welcome bonuses to choose from
- Multiview live betting feature
- Sports and Esports cashback offers
9.5NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00100% Deposit Bonus Up To ¥50,000
11/12/22100% Deposit Bonus Up To ¥50,000
- Generous welcome offer
- Multiple cashback offers
- Daily odds boosts
9.5NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00First Deposit Bonus Up To $100
11/12/22First Deposit Bonus Up To $100
- 50% weekly reload bonus on first deposit of the week
- Multiple football offers including Bet Builder
- Odds Boosts
9.4NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00100% Deposit Bonus Up To $100
11/12/22100% Deposit Bonus Up To $100
- Reload bonuses
- Cashback offers
- Referral bonus
9.2NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00Lucky Spin Up To 1BTC
11/12/22Lucky Spin Up To 1BTC
- Reload bonuses
- Cashback
- Extensive social media presence including Telegram
9.1NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00First Deposit Bonus Up To ¥12,500
11/12/22First Deposit Bonus Up To ¥12,500
- Cashback and reload bonuses
- Bet Builder
- Football bonuses including 2-0 payout deal & 0-0 insurance
9.0NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00Up To ¥200,000 + 200 Free Spins First Deposit Bonus
11/12/22Up To ¥200,000 + 200 Free Spins First Deposit Bonus
- Cashback
- Great range of payment methods
- Live Esports streaming
9.0NO CODE REQUIREDLearn MoreClose Learn More00Top Rated Online Betting Websites in Japan 2023
If you don’t have enough time to delve into detail about our recommended Japan sportsbooks, take a look at this brief roundup below.
- Lucky Block – Best betting site for Japan overall
- Conquestador – Football, NFL and NBA player prop bets
- Bons – Extra $10 free bet after the first deposit
- Megapari – Daily Esports cashback deals
- Rabona – Excellent range of football betting offers
- Lilibet – Good choice of sports betting markets
- BK8 – Leading Asian online gambling brand
- BC.gane – Best rated Bitcoin sportsbook
- Wazamba – Live chat support provided on a 24/7 basis
- Tedbet – Fully customised into Japanese
How We Rank The Best Japanese Online Betting Sites
When it comes to online sports betting in Japan, there are lots of sites looking to attract Japanese bettors, all providing an excellent all-around betting service. It can be difficult to know which ones to choose, so we have used our years of experience to come up with a specific set of criteria that cover all of the different elements that matter most to punters. And judging a site by these criteria will allow you to pick the sportsbook that best meets your needs.
- Reputation
The trustworthiness of an online sports betting site is always our number one priority, especially in Japan, where being forced to frequent offshore sports betting sites means you have to be extra careful. You can always be 100% sure that any of the sports betting sites featured on this page are safe and reliable. Furthermore, choosing worldwide sportsbooks that have been trusted for many years, such as BK8 or Rabona is also a great idea. - Promotions
The best online betting sites will always offer welcome deals to attract new customers,, but many bettors are just as interested in ongoing offers such as reload bonuses, cashback offers and reward programmes. And we were very impressed by the selection of offers available at Wazamba and Megapari, including multiple deposit bonuses for existing customers, cashback on bets placed at their sites and football offers such as 0-0 insurance, where your bet will be refunded if a match ends goalless. - Bookmaker Odds
When we compared a selection of odds at all the sites featured in this article we found Bons to have a strong level of prices across a large variety of events, including some of the most popular Japanese sports such as baseball, football, golf and tennis. - Features
Every betting site will have a special offer of some sort, but what really makes a sportsbook stand out from the crowd is the extra features offered at sites like Rabona and Wazamba, such as Bet Builders and price boosts. - Sports Live Betting
In-play betting is hugely popular, with every sports betting site featuring a live offering across a wide range of sports. Some in-play services stand out though, such as Lucky Block, where you can follow multiple events on screen at the same time. - Live Streaming
Not all sites that offer live betting include live streaming as part of their in-play service, but Lucky Block and Megapari do cater for punters looking for the most immersive live betting experience, particularly when it comes to Esports. - Betting Markets
Football betting may be hugely popular worldwide but punters are often looking for more than that, particularly in countries such as Japan where baseball is also hugely popular and Esports betting is on the up too. So assessing the range of betting markets on a sportsbook is always a big priority for us, with BK8 and Bons having a fantastic range of sports for you to choose from. - Usability
Being able to find the sports and markets you want to bet on quickly and easily are key considerations for punters. And in our opinion, Conquestador and Rabona are two of the most user-friendly sports betting sites available in Japan. - Mobile Betting
The mobile technology revolution of the last decade has certainly spread to online betting in Japan. Having a sports betting app is vital so that you can place your wagers on the go and we have been most impressed with the BK8 and Megapari mobile apps.
The Best Sports Betting Sites in Japan Reviewed
All of the sports betting sites featured in this article provide superb betting offerings and have a lot in common. However, there are also differences between them that make each one stand out in a different way. Here are our five favourites, along with their positive and negative points.
1. Lucky Block – Best Bitcoin Bookmaker
The online betting business is experiencing a technological revolution and Cryptocurrency specialists such as Lucky Block are at the heart of it. A huge number of digital currencies can be used to fund real money bets at Lucky Block and punters can even buy Crypto through the site itself. Furthermore, Lucky Block also has its own Cryptocurrency which can be bought and used to enter exclusive Daily Jackpot Draws.
Lucky Block’s welcome bonus is also one of the best out there, as new punters will be able to enjoy 15% cashback on all their losses for the first seven days after signing up. There are a huge number of sports and markets to enjoy at the site, particularly when it comes to football and Esports. And the Lucky Block live betting service is excellent, with Esports live streaming and a multi-view feature which allows you to follow multiple events on screen at the same time.
What We Like:
- Unique 7-day cashback welcome offer
- Buy Crypto through the site
- Lucky Block Crypto can be purchased and used to enter Jackpot Prize Draws
- Football player prop bets and combination markets
- Excellent football live betting service
- Live Esports streaming
- Multi-View live betting option
What We Don’t:
- No reload bonuses
2. Conquestador – One of the best welcome offers out there
If you’re wondering where Conquestador gets its unusual name from, it’s from the Spanish word “Conquistador”, meaning “Conqueror”. And with a name like that, it’s no surprise that their betting offering is a dominant one! It all starts with one of the most generous welcome offers in Japan, where you can earn a 100% deposit bonus of up to $2,000, along with 200 Free Spins. The deposit deals don’t end there though as there are a further four on offer, which could increase your bonus cash to almost $4,000!
There area couple of cashback deals available to existing customers and the Conquestador Loyalty Programmes means that the more you bet, the more you can earn. There’s a nice range of sports and markets available, particularly when it comes to football, where you’ll be able to find player prop bets as well as unique football combos devised by Conquestador. And there’s also a huge range of football statistics to help you make some winning wagers!
What We Like:
- Excellent welcome bonus
- Four existing customer deposit bonuses
- Cashback deals
- Loyalty programme
- Football, NFL and NBA player prop bets
- Special football combination bets
What We Don’t:
- No accumulator offers
3. Bons – New Kid on the Block making a big impact
The unusual names keep on coming, with Bons standing for BetONSports. And it’s probably a sensible move to have a name that stands out, given the fact that they have only been around since 2020. Bons is clearly trying to stand out in other ways too, as they also offer a bonus for the first five deposits at the site.
There’s also a little extra bonus on offer after your initial deposit, in the form of a $10 free bet. And Bons’ cashback offer is one of the most generous out there, ranging from 5% to 12.5% of your losing bets each week, depending on your VIP status.
What We Like:
- Bonuses for your first five deposits
- Extra $10 free bet after the first deposit
- Generous cashback feature
- Loyalty programme
- Football, NFL and NBA player prop bets
- Special football combination bets
What We Don’t:
- No price boosts
4. Megapari – Esports betting specialist
Given the enthusiasm for gaming that has been prevalent in Japanese society over the years, it’s no shock that Esports has been embraced in the Land of the Rising Sun. And sites such as Megapari have embraced the passion for betting on Esports that has also exploded in recent years, becoming not just one of the best CS:GO betting sites, but one of the best Esports betting sites in general.
Part of the reason for this is the excellent range of Esports offered at Megapari, from CS:GO, Dota 2 and Valorant to FIFA, E-Basketball and many, many more! Their live Esports betting offering is superb, with live streaming for most events and a multi-view feature that allows you to follow four games at once. And the icing on the cake is a cashback offer exclusively for Esports players, which changes every day.
What We Like:
- Two different welcome offers with different wagering requirements
- Esports live streaming
- 3% cashback on all losses this week
- Daily Esports cashback deals
- 75% deposit bonus every Saturday
- Boosted accumulator bets
- Multi-View live betting option
What We Don’t:
- The small selection of payment methods
5. Rabona – Trusted Worldwide Betting Brand
If we judged the top betting sites solely on their site design, Rabona would certainly come out on top as they are one of the best-looking online betting and casino sites we have come across. The charcoal, red and white colour scheme works really nicely, both on desktop and mobile. In addition, we think the bespoke artwork will be popular among anime fans!
Rabona has plenty of substance to add to their style though, thanks to the fact they are one of the few sports betting sites we have found in Japan that not only have boosted accumulator bets but odds boosts across the site too. They are also one of the few sites to offer Bet Builders for football, NBA and NFL matches, which allow punters to combine different bets on one match into one multiple wager. Furthermore, there’s a 50% reload bonus up for grabs on your first deposit every week.
What We Like:
- 50% reload bonus on your first deposit of the week
- 50% horse racing loss bonus up to JPY 6,500.
- Price Boosts & Accumulator Boosts
- Excellent range of football betting offers
- Football, NFL and NBA Bet Builder
- Great range of payment methods
- Esports live streaming
What We Don’t:
- No cashback deals not related to horse racing
Key Features Of The Best Betting Sites For Sports In Japan
Here is a quick comparison of the different features that are available at the best Japanese sportsbooks. And we have mostly concentrated on areas where the bookies differ, rather than things such as live betting and Esports betting, which are available at all the sportsbooks featured on this page.
Bookie Esports Live Streaming Price Boosts Bet Builder Cashback Reload Bonuses Lucky Block Conquestador Bons Megapari Rabona Lilibet BK8 BC.game Wazamba TedBet Top 10 Betting Sites in Japan 2023 by Category
Best Overall Betting Site: Lucky Block Best New Sportsbook: Lucky Block Strongest Security: BK8 Best Selection of Payment Methods: Rabona Best Special Offers: Rabona Best Value Odds: Bons Fantastic for Live Betting: Megapari Top for Esports Betting: Megapari Special Features: Wazamba Best for Mobile Betting: Rabona Types of Welcome Bonuses Available in Japan
New customer deals are the main weapon in a sportsbook’s arsenal when it comes to attracting new customers, so when you create a new account at an online sportsbook, you will always receive a bonus of some sort, which will vary depending on the site you are visiting. Here is a quick look at some of the different types of welcome offers you can expect from Japanese sportsbooks:
Deposit Bonus
When it comes to online sports betting in Japan, the most popular welcome offer is the 100% deposit bonus. This is when your first deposit is matched in the form of bonus funds, which must be wagered a certain number of times before they can be cashed out. You can usually expect 100% of your deposit to be matched, but sometimes there are 150%, or even 200% deposit match offers.
Top Deposit Welcome Bonuses in Japan
- Conquestador – 100% deposit bonus up to $2,000 & up to 200 Free Spins
- Bons– 100% deposit bonus up to $2,000 & up to 200 Free Spins
- Lucky Block – 15% cashback on all losses for the first seven days after opening an account
Risk-Free Bet
Risk-free bets are rarer but will be seen occasionally on a new sports betting site. This sees you placing a bet on a given market and if it’s a loser you will get your stake returned to you in the form of a free bet. Many punters use this as an opportunity to have a speculative punt at a big price, safe in the knowledge that if things don’t go to plan they can get their money back and start again!
Free Bet
Rather than matching your initial deposit, sometimes sportsbooks will offer you a free bet instead. Generally speaking, depositing a certain amount will be enough to qualify but there are occasions when you will need to place a bet too before you can receive your reward. However, a big advantage is that unlike match bonuses it’s more common to be able to keep the winnings from the free bet without any further betting requirements.
Key Bonus Terms
If you enjoy visiting Japanese sports betting sites then you will certainly have come across the varied terms and conditions associated with sports betting site bonus offers. Some of them can be confusing, even to experienced bettors. So here’s our guide to the main bonus terms you are likely to come across:
- Minimum Deposit – There will often be a minimum initial deposit you will need to make in order to get your hands on a given deal.
- Minimum Odds – Your qualifying bets will often need to be placed at a minimum price in order to receive your bonus. These bookmaker odds will usually be around 2.0 in decimal odds or even money (Evs) in fractional. In addition, minim odds may come into play when you want to place a wager with your free bet.
- Minimum Bet– Sometimes you will need to make a minimum bet in addition to a minimum deposit, and the important thing to remember is that often these two amounts won’t be the same, so for example you may be required to deposit a minimum of $25 but wager a minimum of $50.
- Minimum Odds –Often, your qualifying bets will need to be placed at a minimum price in order to receive your bonus. These odds will usually be around even money (Evs) in fractional, or 2.0 in decimal odds. In addition, minimum odds can often come into play when you want to place a wager with your free bet.
- Wagering Requirements –When it comes to a deposit bonus in particular there will often be wagering requirements (sometimes called rollover requirements) such as 10x, 20x, 35x. This doesn’t mean you have to make this number of bets, just that you need to wager this amount multiplied by your bonus before you can withdraw it. So for example, if you have a 3500 TWD bonus with a 20x wagering requirement you will need to place 70000 TWD in bets before you can get to your money. It’s always important to know what the wagering requirement is at the top betting sites because the higher it is, the harder it will be to put a run of successful bets together without losing it all!
- Expiry Period – A common feature of online betting in Japan is that the bonus funds or free bets that you get will nearly always have some sort of expiry date, generally seven days but sometimes up to 21. If you do not use them or meet your wagering requirements within this time period, your bonus funds will disappear.
- Cap on Winnings –Certain offers will have a cap on how much real money you will be able to win.
Eligibility Markets –When placing a qualifying bet or using a free bet, there are often certain types of betting markets that will be excluded.
How to Choose the Best Betting Site in Japan
It’s certainly a nice problem to have, but with so many legitimate offshore sportsbooks available when betting online in Japan, it can be tough to work out which ones are most worthy of your time and money. However, there are some additional questions you can ask yourself so that you can quickly figure out which sportsbook is the best fit for you.
Is the Site Safe?
There are some fake offshore sports betting sites that could cause you to lose money if you deposit with them. So working out if a site is safe or not is a key consideration. Heading to a sportsbook featured on this page is a guarantee that you can trust them. However, if you do find another site then you should look for reviews online to see if they are legitimate, see who has issued their gaming license and also have a look at the site itself to see if it looks and feels legitimate. For example, if a site has a strange name, is designed poorly, is slow to load and offers deals that seem too good to be true, then that should set alarm bells ringing!
Are Japanese Bettors Accepted?
If you have been able to gain access to a site, then that will generally mean you can sign up from Japan. However, it’s always worth checking before you have a proper look around the sportsbook. And you can do this simply by clicking on “Sign Up” and seeing if Japan appears as an option in the “country of residence” section
Are Japanese Yen Offered as an Account Currency?
Many of the sites featured on this page accept JPY as an account currency and offer their bonuses in Yen too. However, thanks to E-wallets, you can easily convert your funds into any other currency and then deposit them that way. However, the downside is that E-wallets often charge fees to convert currency and deposit into a sportsbook.
Are Local Payment Methods Accepted?
The Japanese government has made it a priority to raise cashless payments to 40% by 2025, which has led to a rise in popular E-wallets such as Neteller and Jeton being granted licenses in the past five years. Another widely accepted E-wallet which is growing in popularity in Japan is ecoPayz. So with all that in mind, there’s a good chance that you will already be using an E-wallet in your everyday life, so it’s a good idea to check which of these methods are available at a betting site you are looking to join.
Sports Markets Available to Japanese Bettors
The leading sportsbooks in Japan have an enormous selection of sports to choose from. However, when it comes to betting on sports, Japanese citizens have a particular passion for certain events!
Baseball Betting Sites
When it comes to the most popular sport to play and watch in Japan, there’s really no contest as baseball reigns supreme. Nippon Professional Baseball, or NPB, is the highest level of professional baseball in Japan and attracts huge live crowds and viewing figures. And of course, watching Major League Baseball in the USA is also massively popular in Japan, particularly teams containing Japanese players such as Yu Darvish and Shohei “Shotime” Ohtani. In addition, given the number of matches and markets that are available ahead of each and every NPB and MLB matchup, betting on baseball is also on the rise in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Baseball Betting Tips: No matter what league you are betting on, don’t wager on teams that you don’t watch frequently or contain players who you don’t know that well. You need to narrow your focus as much as possible to increase the knowledge you have on the teams and players you’re betting on. And the more you follow a certain team and its players throughout the season, the more likely you are to make well-informed bets with the greatest chance of success.Esports Betting Sites
Not only is the competitive video game market worth over 100 million dollars in Japan, but Tokyo is now home to the biggest Esports park in the country. Launched in April 2022 and set across three floors at the base of the landmark Tokyo Tower, the park offers space for Esports competition along with the latest motor racing, virtual reality and games simulators. And the idea is to nurture the next generation of Esports superstars. The meteoric rise of Esports in Japan has also led to, you’ve guessed it, a jump in the number of people betting at Esports betting sites.
And with Esports being such a new betting phenomenon, even the best sports betting sites are facing a very steep learning curve when it comes to setting their odds. So, if you can amass as much knowledge as you can from watching and playing Esports, you can potentially give yourself more of an edge than with more established events.
Esports Betting Tips: If you’re betting on a team game such as CS:GO, LOL, Dota 2 or Valorant, as well as researching a side’s recent form you also need to know the playing styles of individual members of the team. And that will enable you to find trends such as how often they secure the first Tower or kill the first Roshan in Dota 2, which will open up new Esports betting opportunities.Football Betting Sites
Japan’s headline-grabbing performances at the World Cup, Kaoru Mitoma and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s success in the English Premier League and the continued popularity of the J1 League have taken football to new heights in Japan. And the amazing number of worldwide leagues to bet on, as well as the number of individual match markets that are available, means that betting on football is still driving a massive of traffic to the best betting sites in Japan.
Football Betting Tips: “Prop” bets such as a player to score, to have a certain amount of shots on target or to be booked, can be profitable because they don’t depend on the main match result as you are only relying on one thing happening, instead of all the variables that go into deciding a football match.Where To Find The Best Bookmaker Odds
Due to the fact there are thousands of betting markets out there and no realistic way to compare them all, no sports betting site could ever claim to offer the best odds across the board. However, we checked out selected prices across a variety of sports at a number of betting sites and found the following three sportsbooks to have the best odds, on average.
- Megapari – 100% First Deposit Bonus up to JPY 14,000
- Rabona – 100% First Deposit Bonus up to $100
- Wazamba – 100% First Deposit Bonus up to $100
Payment Methods Available to Bettors in Japan
There are many different ways that Japanese bettors can add funds to and make withdrawals from their chosen bookmakers. And given the legal situation regarding online betting in the country, E-wallets and Cryptocurrency, in particular, have assumed more importance as many people look to maintain a certain degree of anonymity when it comes to depositing at sports betting sites. Here are the main payment methods you will come across.
Debit Cards and Credit Cards
Nearly all sports betting sites support payments made through debit cards and credit cards and they will usually need to be from major card issuers such as Visa or MasterCard.
Bank Transfer
Many sportsbooks will allow you to transfer funds straight from your bank account, with some even supporting third party companies that can link your bank account to your bettinг account with ease. However, there are some operators that will charge you a fee for using a bank transfer and the minimum transaction sizes can be higher.
E-Wallets
E-wallets are a very popular transaction option when it comes to Japanese online gambling sites. Neteller, Skrill and Ecopayz are some of the most well-known names worldwide but Japanese punters will also be familiar with iwallet and Jeton which are also popular.
As well as providing increased anonymity, E-Wallets are very easy to use, provide currency conversion and process transactions quickly and securely. The only downside is that the fees can mount up, particularly if you are converting from one currency to another.
Cryptocurrency
Finding a trustworthy bitcoin bookmaker is hugely important for many bettors as paying with Cryptocurrency is considered more secure than credit and debit card payments. And that’s because a customer’s data isn’t stored in a centralized hub where breaches commonly occur. And with Cryptocurrency transactions having a high level of privacy in general it’s no surprise to find that a large number of Japanese sports betting sites offer Crypto as a payment method.
Payment Method Fees Min Deposit Min Payout Credit Card/Debit Card 0% ¥500on average ¥1,000 on average E-wallets 0% (E-wallets will charge you at their end though) ¥500on average ¥1,000 on average Bank Transfer 0% (Banks might have a charge) ¥500on average ¥1,000 on average Cryptocurrencies 0% 0.0001 BTC 0.0002 BTC Bookmaker Withdrawal Process in Japan
The withdrawal process at the top betting sites in Japan is relatively easy, but there are certain points to remember. The first one is that there are some deposit methods to which you won’t be able to withdraw funds, such as credit cards or certain E-wallets. Secondly, there is always a minimum amount that you have to withdraw, which is around ¥1,000 on average. When it comes to maximum bookmaker withdrawal amounts, many sites will let you withdraw as much as you want, and even of they have limits they will usually have a lot of zeroes, so all but the highest-spending bettors should be satisfied! Finally, if you haven’t had to provide a form of ID such as an ID card, passport or driving license when signing up, many sites will ask you to provide it here before you can withdraw any money from your betting account.
Live Betting at the Top Betting Sites in Japan
Live betting simply means placing wagers on a sporting event after it has started. It is also called “in-play” betting and is a hugely popular way to bet on sport for a couple of reasons. The first one is that you are able to use up-to-date information from a sporting event to make betting decisions, which can sometimes give you a slight edge. For instance, while watching a football game you could choose to bet on Team A to score next if they are dominating Team B.
Secondly, in-play betting can add a more immersive element to watching a live match, especially if you are watching a live stream, which is available at some of the best betting sites in Japan. Here are our top three sites for live betting:
- Megapari– 100% First Deposit Bonus up to ¥14,000
- Bons– 100% deposit bonus up to $2,000 & up to 200 Free Spins
- Lucky Block – 15% cashback on all losses for the first seven days after opening an account
Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Sports Betting in Japan
Japan has one of the highest percentages of smartphone users in the world, with roughly 107 million people owning a phone, out of a population of around 125 million. And that fact, added to the fact that mobile sports betting is so much more convenient than using a desktop computer or laptop, means that a huge portion of the population enjoys betting online through the best sports betting apps on their phones.
The majority of sports betting sites will have sports betting apps that you can download to your phone, but even the newer sites that have not introduced a sports betting app will usually have an optimised site to look at in portrait mode on your mobile web browser. Here are our favourites:
Sportsbook Platforms Welcome Bonus BK8 iOS & Android 100% First Deposit Bonus up to $100 Visit Site Rabona iOS & Android 100% First Deposit Bonus up to $100 Visit Site Megapari iOS & Android 100% First Deposit Bonus up to JPY 14,000 Visit Site How to Place a Wager at Betting Sites in Japan
Opening a new account at a Japanese sports betting site is generally a quick and easy process, where you can be up and running and placing a bet in a matter of minutes. The number of forms you need to fill in will vary from site to site but the information you need to provide will be similar.
Step 1: Visit the website or app
The first step on the path to placing a bet is to click on the link to your chosen bookmaker on this page, which will take you to their home page
Step 2: Registration
Once you’ve reached a site’s homepage, you need to click “Sign Up”, “Register” or something similar. Then you will need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, contact details and create a username and password. Some sites may ask you to provide photo ID at this point but even if they don’t it’s worth uploading a document as you are highly likely to need it later if you withdraw funds.
Step 3: Deposit money
Now you have set up your new account it’s time to deposit some funds. Making a deposit will usually be a simple case of picking your chosen currency and payment method and then you should get access to your funds immediately.
Step 4: Start Betting
While all sites are different when it comes to their layout, on most sportsbooks you will find the range of sports available either at the top or on the left-hand side of the page. Then it’s just a case of clicking the sport you wish to bet on, choosing the specific match or market and then selecting the price to add to your bet slip.
Step 5: Withdraw Funds
If you’ve managed to make some winning bets or turned some bonus funds into real cash, then well done, you are now in a position to withdraw some funds if you choose to! To do this, you need to click on “Withdraw” at the top of the page and then input the amount you wish to withdraw, the payment method and you’ll be good to go!
Online Gambling Law in Japan
Most forms of gambling are illegal in Japan, but there are exceptions. You can place bets on horse racing, keirin racing, powerboat racing and speedway, but only in person at the track or course, or at off-track betting booths that can be found in many cities.
Then there’s pachinko, which is a mix of slots and pinball that is hugely popular in Japan, with the unique sound of the pachinko parlour being familiar to millions of Japanese citizens! You cannot legally win money playing pachinko, but winning players are awarded a prize that can be sold for cash, usually at a shop very near to the pachinko parlour they were playing at! And finally, there are a number of lotteries that are held throughout the year, with tickets being available at takarakuji booths and stores in many cities.
There is no regulation as yet to make online gambling fully legal in Japan. However, until there is, sports betting sites based outside of the country are a good option if you’re looking to place a bet. And you can be reassured that all the sites in this article have been checked and tested to make sure they are safe and trustworthy. So, even if you are playing at an offshore site that may be unfamiliar, you can bet online with confidence.
5 Ultimate Betting Tips
Gambling should always be seen as a fun pastime with the added bonus of potentially making some money, rather than the other way round. However, you should always be looking to place bets that have the greatest chance of being successful. So with that in mind, here are our top five betting tips.
1. Do your research
The more research you can do, the better chance you will have of making successful bets. Furthermore, the type of research you do is also important, making sure that when it comes to team sports, for example, you are not only looking at the past results of the sides involved but the form of individual players too.
2. Don’t be loyal to a particular sporting market
Instead of betting on the same sporting markets each time, such as the match winner or the total number of goals or points, let your research guide you and be open to betting on different markets if that’s where the evidence is pointing! For instance, if a player is in excellent form, you could choose instead to wager on them scoring or hitting a home run, for example.
3. Create & manage your bankroll
It’s really important to allocate yourself a certain amount of money to bet with over a certain time period and stick to it, win or lose! Then you also need to make sure you are only betting a small portion of your bankroll at any given time, which will help you absorb any bad runs that you may experience. And we would also highly recommend taking advantage of the tools provided by the best betting sites, such as daily, weekly and monthly deposit limits.
4. Take advantage of special offers
As bettors, we have no control over the outcome of a sporting event, but what we can do is put ourselves in favourable situations as often as possible, to maximise our winnings or reduce our losses. And one of the main ways to do that is to make sure we are taking advantage of existing customer offers on the best betting sites. For example, accumulator insurance, which refunds your stake if one of your selections is a loser is a good way to boost the price by adding a longer shot in, while taking advantage of bet boosts can also be a profitable play in the long run.
5. Don’t bet when you’re bored
Having a bet can be a fun way to add some extra spice to a sporting event that you’re interested in, but you should always avoid logging on to a betting site just because you don’t have anything better to do because then you will be in danger of making bad betting decisions based on boredom that could cost you money.
Final Thoughts on Best Sports Betting Sites in Japan
Japanese bettors may be severely restricted when it comes to sports betting sites that are available in their own country, but as we have outlined in this article, there are many safe and trustworthy sites based outside Japan that are happy to offer their services!
Whether you are looking for a sports betting site with eye-catching special offers, one that you can spend your hard-earned Crypto on, or a site with a huge range of sports and markets to pick from, we’re confident that you will find whatever you need. And now we have taken you through some of the best betting sites, given you some sports betting tips and talked about how to ensure you are gambling responsibly, all that remains is to wish you the best of luck on your betting journey!
Online Betting Japan FAQs
What are bookmaker withdrawal times like at Japanese betting sites?
This will vary from operator to operator. However, E-wallet options are usually the fastest. This includes Skrill, GoPay and Neteller.
Which are the best CS:GO betting sites?
All the sports betting sites on this page offer excellent Esports betting opportunities, including CS:GO. And many offer live betting and live streaming too.
Where can I find the best bookmaker odds?
Generally, speaking, the more established sites will offer the best odds.
What is the best type of welcome deal that sports betting sites offer?
Bonus deals that match your deposit are more generous, but a lot of people enjoy risk-free bets instead as wagering requirements are generally lower.
When it comes to online betting in Japan, how do I find the best sites?
There are plenty of great options on this page when it comes to Japanese sports betting websites, so you can easily find an option that best fits your needs.
Bassin Lee
Lee studied Broadcast Journalism at University and has worked as a TV Producer, Director and Writer for over 20 years, creating written and video content for some of the biggest names in sport including Nike, Adidas, PUMA, Red Bull and NFL. He has also worked as a sports and betting writer for Planet Sport, Odds Manager and one of the biggest sports websites in the UK, sportinglife.com.. He’s a keen sports bettor with an excellent knowledge of most sports and a particular love of boxing, football, golf and NFL. Lee also has wide-ranging expertise when it comes to betting strategy, sporting markets, spread betting and exchange betting.Lee studied Broadcast Journalism at University and has worked as a TV Producer, Director and Writer for over 20 years, creating written and video content for some of the biggest names in sport including Nike, Adidas, PUMA, Red Bull and NFL. He has also worked as a sports and betting writer for Planet Sport, Odds Manager and one of the biggest sports websites in the UK, sportinglife.com.. He’s a keen sports bettor with an excellent knowledge of most sports and a particular love of boxing, football, golf and NFL. Lee also has wide-ranging expertise when it comes to betting strategy, sporting markets, spread betting and exchange betting.View All Posts By Bassin Lee