World

Online Gambling in Japan

Published

4 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

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.