World

Online Gambling in Japan

Published

3 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

Top Road Trip Destinations in Canada

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2023

Jenny Jackson

Did you know that 1.93 million Americans traveled to Canada in 2020? That number was down year-over-year due to COVID-related travel restrictions.

While some Americans visit the Great White North via plane, others prefer road trips. It can be fun to plan an itinerary, book a hotel, pack the luggage, load your family into the car, and head to the border. But if a road trip to Canada is in the plans for you and yours this summer, what Canadian destinations are worth the potentially thousands of miles of driving? Keep reading to learn about the top road trip destinations in Canada.

Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan

Grasslands National Park is one of Canada’s 44 national parks and park reserves. Whether you’re an earlier bird or a night owl, the national park in Southern Saskatchewan provides an ideal prairie landscape. It’s the perfect place to unwind, immerse yourself in nature, and recalibrate your life.

Enjoy the great outdoors on a campsite, or take part in hiking adventures by exploring trails. The solitude and breathtaking beauty of this national park will leave you in awe. Make time for the Ecotour Scenic Drive. It’s about 20 km (around 12.5 miles) long and will take one to three hours to complete depending on your pace.

Toronto to Stratford, Ontario

If there’s one Canadian city most Americans have heard of, it’s Toronto. Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is the fourth largest city on the continent. It’s also home to the only authentic castle in North America. Casa Loma, located in midtown Toronto, is worth the visit. So, too, is the CN Tower, which is the biggest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. The city also has citizens representing 200+ ethnic groups.

While there’s plenty to see and do in Toronto, why stop there? It’s a good idea to include a Toronto-to-Stratford excursion while on your road trip to Canada. You must travel 150 km (about 93 miles ) west to get to Stratford. You’ll see Victorian architecture and get to take in the live theater. Most Americans probably haven’t heard of Stratford before. But when you come for a visit, there’s a good possibility you won’t ever forget it.

North Cape Coastal Drive, Prince Edward Island

If you haven’t ever taken a road trip to Prince Edward Island, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s Canada’s smallest province, but it sure offers a boatload of fun. Are you a foodie or do you like to indulge in the local cuisine when traveling? Check out the western peninsula. You can delight your tastebuds with the range of food available.

Make time to visit the Canadian Potato Museum in the province. After taking in the sites and attractions at the museum, enjoy a meal at the onsite PEI Potato Country Kitchen. The menu has items like the chili topped baked potato, which features a baked potato, homemade chili, and cheese. Meanwhile, the pulled pork potato features a baked potato topped with pulled pork, cheese, and sour cream on the side. That’s just a sampling, and all baked potato dishes are served with fresh-cut, homemade chips.

If you’re intersted in a U.S. to Canada road trip this year, the options above will give you some ideas. The sky’s the limit since there’s so much to see and do.

You’ll want to ensure your vehicle is in good working order to avoid breakdowns. You’ll also want to stay alert on the road since you’ll be traveling a lot of miles and spending hours behind the wheel of your car.

If you get into an accident, you must know what to do. In addition to reporting the accident, calling your insurer, and possibly even booking a rental car to complete your road trip, you’ll want to contact a personal injury lawyer if anyone is injured.

No one wants to consider accidents or injuries when on a road trip. But it’s best to hope for the best while being prepared for the worst. You’ll enjoy the journey and the destination a lot more when you’ve done everything possible to prepare for any possible issues.