World

Online Gambling in Japan

Published

6 years ago

June 3, 2020

Gambling in Japan has been making news over the last few years for several reasons. In 2019, there were reports that the impending arrival of international casinos would push gross gaming revenues per year to $8 billion. This would make Japan among the three largest casino markets in the world.

Already, the annual gambling revenue from Japan’s homegrown pachinko industry stands over $283 billion. These projections thus highlight the potential in the market for both players and investors.

While these g revenue numbers are impressive, the restrictive gambling laws have curtailed the industry from growing to its full potential. There are thousands of entertainment parlours spread across the country, but the casino industry has not managed to enjoy such growth.

But things are now changing with more players opting to play at offshore casinos. One of the earliest companies that went into the Japanese online casino market was manekinekocasino.com.

The Integrated Resort Promotion Law is expected to open up the casino industry. However, players need to understand the gambling framework in the country to enjoy a safe and secure gambling experience.

Japan’s Gambling Laws in Brief

To appreciate the hype around the new Integrated Resort Promotion Law, you have to understand how far the industry has come. The legal framework guiding gambling in Japan dates back to a law made in 1907.

Under Article 185 of the country’s Penal Code, gambling is banned in the country. This law also provides details on the penalties for activities where winning or losing is by chance. Gambling laws draw a fine line to differentiate legal games of ‘skill’ and illegal luck-based games.

While gambling is a centuries-old practice in the country, stringent laws made an appearance when the national lottery was banned in 1842. While it made a comeback after World War II, there was no change in the restrictive gambling laws.

The only legal online gambling platform here is the lottery, Toto which means online casinos can’t get licenses in the country. However, there are sports legalised under special laws, including bicycle racing, motorcycle racing, horse racing, and powerboat racing. These fall under local governments or Government Corporation.

Japanese Soccer Pools and the public lottery are also exempt from the list of prohibited gambling activities in the country.

Popular Forms of Gambling in Japan

The mention of gambling in Japan mostly refers to the wildly popular Pachinko offered in gambling halls. While these establishments don’t offer traditional casino games, they bring in millions of dollars every year. They are the most popular gambling activities across the country.

The Japanese government also allows limited legal gambling in sports betting on selected sports.

Online Gambling in Japan

Japan has an internet penetration of over 92%. It is one of the most digitised countries in the world yet, the prohibitive gambling laws have hindered the development of this industry. Luckily, players can still access their favourite casino games at offshore casinos and sportsbooks.

The biggest casino brands and sportsbooks now accept local players and even local currency. Foreign-based casinos have offered respite to the industry as more players now sign up and play freely. What’s more, the mobile casino and betting revolution has hit the country. Many people now bet and play at casinos on the go.

Over 50% of the Japanese internet users have a smartphone, and this makes it easy to download apps or play at instant mobile casinos. These mobile casinos are also considered illegal but players can sign up easily, deposit, and withdraw money.

However, it’s up to the players to research any casinos and apps before playing to avoid losing money or fraud. They have to check where the online casino is licensed, reputation, and availability of customer support and security features.

Future of Online Gambling in Japan

Without any way to control this online gambling trend, the government has indicated its willingness to legalise gambling. The Integrated Resort Promotion Law enacted in 2016, and 2018 eased restrictions on land-based casinos. It gave hope to the industry that the government could soon start licensing local online casinos and sportsbooks.

World

Swiss International University Makes Global Impact with Top 500 Times Higher Education Ranking

Published

1 month ago

June 24, 2026

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU) got a real kind of milestone , when it landed inside the worlds top 500 universities in the newest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Which is kind of huge because it is SIU’s first time appearing in those widely respected rankings, and it also shows how its influence keeps growing in international higher education.

SIU was competing with nearly 2,000 universities from different parts of the world, and that first debut basically underlines its dedication to academic quality, sustainability and a real societal footprint. Overall it seems like the result mirrors SIU’s own plan for delivering solid education , while also aligning with bigger global development objectives.

Now, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings look at universities through what they do for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , or SDGs. So the assessment is about universities creating verifiable positive change through education, research, community activities, plus governance— not just statements.

One of SIU’s strongest areas was the recognition tied to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In that section, SIU placed roughly within the top 100 to 200 universities worldwide, and that points to its focus on advancing ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and those institutional values that actually stick.

This recognition shows SIU keeps working hard to get students ready, with the know-how , the ability to act and those ethical foundations, so they can face tangled global problems. And you know, by supporting responsible leadership and pushing for good social results, the university keeps building up its part in shaping the next generation of professionals and people who make real decisions

Key Highlights of SIU’s Achievement

• Ranked Among the World’s Top 500 Universities

In its first-ever participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, SIU managed to land a spot among the top 500 universities worldwide.

• Outstanding Performance in SDG 16

SIU reached a ranking in the top 100 to 200 range, across the globe, for its work related to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• Strengthening Global Academic Presence

This win also reinforces SIU’s long-term vision, and it further tightens its standing as an emerging influence in international higher education.

Recognition from Times Higher Education is an important endorsement of SIU’s mission, to give accessible high-quality education while also making a positive impact in society. As the university keeps expanding its academic offerings and international reach, this milestone , works like a solid base for what comes next—future growth, more innovation, and that global recognition everyone is aiming for.