It’s possible to place your bets if you do it via international websites. To assist you, we’ve selected the best sportsbooks for Japanese bettors for precise evaluation. Platforms from our list are all regulated by recognized authorities, so you can lay down your wagers safely.
Full List of the Best Japan Betting Sites
As per Japanese law, any form of sports betting is illegal. There are no local bookies with a state-issued license, so we’ve crafted a top list of the best international options you can choose from.
4.2
|
125% up to $1250
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.4
|
100% up to $500
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
250$ in Free Bets + 100 Free Spins
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
200% Welcome Bonus
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.6
|
100% Sign-Up Bonus + $10 Free Casino Chip
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.3
|
Up to 25% bonus on the first deposit | 10% weekly cashback | NO KYC | Unlimited withdrawals
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
Rakeboost bonus
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
Welcome Bonus 500% on the first deposit + 400 FS
|
|
Bet now | |
4.1
|
3+1 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.0
|
100% up to $600 in Crypto
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now |
On a more positive note, the authorities do not supervise offshore platforms that closely, giving you a chance to still enjoy some action.
There are countless new online betting sites accepting Japanese bettors, and we’ll show you the way to the most rewarding ones.
BetWinner
BetWinner is a great choice for online betting on a variety of activities because it offers a large number of markets, good odds, and a number of features. This operator has received a license from the Curacao Gaming Control Board, which indicates that it’s reputable and trustworthy.
More than 40 sports categories are available to choose from when using BetWinner. Football is the most popular option, featuring over 1,000 daily events. You can bet on total goals, double chance, Asian handicaps, and more. In addition to the popular events, the bookmaker provides markets for special activities like politics, weather, and TV shows.
BetWinner welcomes new users with a 100% sign up bonus. You can receive this bonus by making a qualifying first deposit. For repeat customers, the site offers cashback, a 25% deposit bonus, free bets, and many other promotions. You can claim and use them to wager on your preferred games and activities.
1win
1Win stands out as a top sports betting site with an impressive variety of events. You can stake on 30 sports, including all the major ones like football, cricket, tennis, and basketball. They also cover less common options like alpine skiing, biathlon, and badminton. If you prefer Esports, you’ll find many popular games, like Valorant, Call of Duty, and CS:GO.
New users at 1Win can get a 500% bonus after making a first deposit of up to $10. Regular punters can also claim cashback offers and VIP rewards. The best part is that the bonuses come with fair wagering requirements, so you can withdraw your winnings if your bets succeed.
1Win has a user-friendly layout that makes finding different sports and markets simple. A menu tab on the homepage can take you to all the important sections with a click. Moreover, they have a dedicated app for Android and iOS for betting on the go. You can receive push notifications for important information via this software.
Megapari
Many Japanese bettors see Megapari as an ideal bookie because it is safe, reliable, and provides numerous features. Notable tools you can use on this platform include the cash out option, which allows you to settle wagers early and secure part of your wins. Streaming of major sports is also available, so you can watch games unfold in real time.
Megapari has been given the green light to operate by the Curacao Gaming Control Board with the license number 8048/JAZ. This certification means that the company meets the necessary industry standards for quality.
Regarding security, they have SSL encryption and strict data policies to protect your information from third-party access. To increase security, you can also turn on two-factor authentication in your account settings.
Regarding betting options, Megapari covers the local leagues and international events across various activities. Click 'Sports' on the homepage to explore our comprehensive selection of markets and neatly organized upcoming matches. You’ll find football, basketball, tennis, snooker, and more.
Paripesa
Paripesa has become popular quickly because it's easy to use and provides good odds and lots of betting options. Once you create an account and make a qualifying deposit, you become eligible to receive a 100% welcome bonus. You can use this promotion to get started and stake on your favorite events.
What makes Paripesa Nigeria stand out are its unique tools. They offer insurance that helps reduce your losses and a bet edit feature that lets you make quick changes to avoid losing money. Protect your investment with the cash out option, allowing you to settle your wager early when things aren't going your way. Other notable tools include live tracker, stats, and multi-live.
The Paripesa mobile app, available for Android and iOS devices, allows you to place bets while on the go. Getting the software is straightforward; simply scroll to the bottom of the main page and download the file. Alternatively, you can visit the Play Store and Google Store to get the app. If you prefer not to download anything, you can also use the mobile-optimized website for a fantastic experience on your phone or tablet.
Betandyou
At Betandyou, you'll find 50+ sports, covering popular options like football, basketball, and tennis. They also include niche sports like kabaddi, boxing, and water polo. The sportsbook offers a strong 95.60% pre-match payout rate. For live betting fans, there are around 30,000 events monthly, with a 95.12% average payout.
Betandyou has invested heavily in its Esports category. You’ll find a dedicated section for all games and markets. Popular titles available include CS 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant. The bookie also features an extensive virtual sports section where you can bet on computer-generated games with random, unpredictable outcomes.
When using Betandyou, you can claim multiple promos. They provide new users with a 100% welcome bonus after making a qualifying minimum deposit. Regular punters benefit from ongoing promotions, including referral rewards, cashback, a VIP loyalty program, and various tournaments. If you have any questions or encounter issues when using the site, support is available 24/7 via live chat and email.
888Starz
888Starz is an excellent online bookie that has a valid license from the government of Curacao. This evidence indicates that the operator is legit and trustworthy. The platform takes user experience seriously, offering 24/7 customer support. You can contact them via live chat and email at support@888starz.com. You’ll also find a dedicated Help Center on the webpage that covers helpful topics.
You won't have any trouble navigating the 888Starz site because all the sports are neatly categorized. The “search” feature also allows you to locate specific events and games. In addition, the sportsbook has one of the best apps in Japan. You can download it on your iOS and Android smartphones to bet on the go.
When it’s time to make transactions at 888Starz, you can expect a hassle-free experience. Payment methods like e-wallets, bank transfers, and debit/credit cards are available for deposits and withdrawals. You can deposit as low as $10, and there are no waiting times. Withdrawals are also easy and can take between 1 and 3 days.
SpinBetter
We ranked SpinBetter among the best Japanese sportsbooks because of its extensive sports coverage and promotions. More than 45 sports are available, including tennis, baseball, ice hockey, cricket, and football. You’ll also find niche activities like hurling, golf, and kabaddi. The bookmaker provides solid odd margins and an average of 96.80% payout for these events.
You can receive a 100% welcome offer to kick off your journey with SpinBetter. They only require a minimum deposit of $10 after signing up to receive the bonus. In addition, the bookie provides returning users with promotions like VIP cashback, accumulator of the day, reload bonus, and more.
SpinBetter allows you to bet on your favorite games on the go with its official mobile app. This user-friendly software will enable you to access your account with a single tap. You can also use it to receive alerts regarding promotions, upcoming games, and more. The mobile version of the site operates smoothly on any device as well.
MyStake
When using MyStake, you can access many major local and international games. They cover over 35 activities, including popular and niche options. Football is the biggest sport on the platform, with over 1,200 daily events available. Basketball and tennis stand out as major attractions, with the operator offering hundreds of specialized markets and odds that rival the industry's best.
MyStake has a VIP loyalty system that rewards consistent users. This program has ten levels, each with various perks and bonuses. You can accumulate VIP points by placing bets on multiple sports games. As a club member you’ll receive Rakeback and weekly cashback. The sportsbook has several promotions, including a welcome bonus, reload offers, a '3 + 1 free bet’ deal, and various other rewards.
Be aware that MyStake is licensed by the Curacao government, demonstrating without a doubt that the operator follows all regulations. In addition, multiple security tools are in place to ensure the security of your data and financial activities. You can contact customer service via email or live chat if you have questions or need assistance.
MagicWin
The Curacao Gaming Authority has granted a license to MagicWin. Its easy-to-use interface and constant bonuses are popular among Japanese gamblers. A welcome bonus on your first five deposits is available when you sign up with the sportsbook.
Over 30 sports are available for pre-match betting, ranging from popular options like football and horse racing to more niche ones like kabaddi and winter sports. The bookmaker offers an average pre-match payout of 93.47% for these activities. If you prefer placing wagers on live games, they provide around 20,000 events every month, with around 93% payout.
MagicWin has many helpful features. You can settle your bets early with the full cash out for popular sports. Bet Builder is available to create stakes that combine multiple options from the same match. Other tools to manage your wagers include the site's Edit Bet and live tracker.
20Bets
At 20Bets, you have a reputable online sportsbook with multiple bonuses and features. The website is user-friendly and has a dark background with yellow icons. The design makes you feel relaxed when browsing and placing your bets. Moreover, the layout is well organized, with a specific section for each available market and sport.
You have more than 40 sports events to choose from, and they all have multiple live and pre-match betting options. The bookmaker has an extensive Esports area that comprises various games and tournaments. You’ll find titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Mobile Legends, Wild Rift, and Valorant. All these games offer several markets and solid odds.
Several enticing bonuses are available when using 20Bets. As a new user, you can become eligible for a 100% welcome bonus when you make a minimum qualifying deposit after creating an account. For returning clients, they have crypto deposit bonuses, reloads, and cashback. You can receive these promotions once you meet the requirements.
Here’s a comparison table:
Features | BetWinner | 1win | Megapari | Paripesa | Betandyou | 888Starz | SpinBetter | MyStake | MagicWin | 20Bets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In Play Mode | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
Live Streaming | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | No ❌ | Yes ✅ |
Cash Out | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
Mobile Application | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | No ❌ | No ❌ | No ❌ |
Bookmaker Payout | 96% | 95% | 96% | 98% | 96% | 95% | 98% | 92% | 94% | 94% |
Min Deposit | €1 | $1 | $1 | €1 | €1 | €1 | €1 | €10 | €5 | €10 |
Min Bet | €0.20 | $0.10 | $0.10 | €0.20 | €0.20 | €0,20 | €0.20 | €0.10 | €1 | €0.10 |
Max Profit | Unlimited | Unlimited | €50000 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | €50000 | €15000 | Unlimited | €200000 |
Min Withdrawal | €1.50 | $1 | $1.50 | €1 | €1.50 | €5 | €1.50 | €20 | €100 | €20 |
Withdrawal Time | Up to 7 working days | Up to 4 working days | Up to 7 working days | Up to 3 working days | Up to 7 working days | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 5 working days | Up to 5 working days | Up to 3 working days |
Rating |
4.7
|
4.7
|
4.7
|
4.5
|
4.2
|
4.3
|
4.5
|
4.2
|
4.4
|
4.3
|
Best Betting Bonuses & Offers for Japanese Bettors
The lack of a local sportsbook pretty much limits your chances of using deposits in Japanese Yen to get bonuses. We still managed to handpick a few worthy options, and we’ll present our findings to you below:
4.2
|
125% up to $1250
|
Claim Bonus | New customers only! Get 125% bonus up to $1250 on your First Deposit! Full T&Cs apply |
4.4
|
100% up to $500
|
Claim Bonus | New customers only! Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. |
4.2
|
250$ in Free Bets + 100 Free Spins
|
Claim Bonus | New customers only! Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. |
4.2
|
200% Welcome Bonus
|
Claim Bonus | Join today and make a deposit to receive an incredible 200% Welcome Bonus. Play responsibly. Full T&Cs apply. |
4.6
|
100% Sign-Up Bonus + $10 Free Casino Chip
|
Claim Bonus | New customers only! Get 100% Sign-Up Bonus + $10 Free Casino Chip on your First Deposit! Full T&Cs apply |
4.3
|
Up to 25% bonus on the first deposit | 10% weekly cashback | NO KYC | Unlimited withdrawals
|
Claim Bonus | New customers only! Full T&Cs apply |
Some of the best bookmakers accepting punters from your country with a juicy welcome offer are BetWinner and Megapari. The first one features a 100% sign up boost of up to $100, while the latter one also gives you a 3% weekly cashback, birthday gifts, and acca boosters. “
Japanese Sports Betting Market Overview
⚖️ Is betting legal: | Yes |
📜 Legal Acts: | The Criminal Code |
🏢 Regulatory Body: | No |
🧾 Taxation: | N/A |
⚽ Favorite Sports to Bet on: | Baseball, Football, Tennis and Golf |
🏅 Widespread Tournaments\Competitions to Bet on: | All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, Japanese Super Cup, Japan Series |
🎰 Other Popular Gambling Markets: | Lottery |
⭐ Most Popular Sportsbooks: | Ivibet, 22Bet, FreshBet |
”
Bet of the Day for Japan
Whether you’re eyeing local or international events, we’ve got you covered with our daily picks! In this section, we’ll keep you posted on the latest popular matchups for Japanese bettors, as well as recommend a few offshore platforms that offer the best odds for it.
Bet on Sports
Despite the ban on sports betting activities in Japan, there’s a variety of sports you can punt on. Some of the most popular ones in the country include football, basketball, baseball, golf, and even sumo wrestling.
Football
As of 1998, betting on football in Japan is allowed, but with limitations. You won’t be able to find locally licensed online betting sites that accept Visa or other forms of payment. Instead, you can only do it lotto-style at land-based venues, using tickets for 5 or 13 games.
The only league available for this kind of football wagering is the domestic J-League, but if you join a site based overseas, you’ll be able to also stake on others. This way, you’ll get the chance to feel the thrill of punting on the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA World Cup, and the Top 5 leagues like the EPL, La Liga, and Serie A.
Basketball
Basketball is yet another sport that is partially allowed for land-based betting in Japan. However, if you wish to escape the limitations of lotto-style wagering, you can do it by visiting our recommended sites. They offer everything, from NBA spreads and player props to in-play punting options and even futures.
Baseball
Baseball is also among extremely popular sports in Japan, as many youngsters are inspired by famous players like Shohei Ohtani. We’ve, therefore, decided to bring you a few sportsbooks like bet365 that offer the biggest selection of baseball events, markets, and competitive odds to help you with the choice.
Horse Racing
Like baseball, horse racing falls under “public sports;” hence is one of the few sports you can bet on in Japan, granted only with pari-mutuel style.
Cycling
Cycling completes the range of sports available for pari-mutuel betting in Japan. But, if you join offshore platforms, you’ll also be able to punt on global and renowned competitions, such as Milan-San Remo or Tour de France.
Esports
Even though Japan has a solid cybersports scene, you can't legally bet on Esports on local websites. As it’s growing in popularity by the day, things might change soon in this aspect, but in 2025, it’s still not possible to place wagers on domestic bookies.
Bet on Competitions
Considering the limited number of sports you can stake on in the country, it’s no wonder that the selection of nationwide competitions is just as limited. Among some of the most popular ones, you will find Japanese horse racing events, J-League football, and some other local sports tournaments.
How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in Japan
Since online betting in Japan is illegal, there's no point in looking for domestic sportsbooks. That opens the doors of international possibilities, assuming you know how to use them. If you’re just getting started exploring these sites, here are some helpful tips from our expert team:
- Check the safety details: The best betting platforms in Japan should be safe, legal, and licensed by a renowned authority. Since there is no local regulatory body, you should look for operators approved by the UKGC, the MGA, or Curacao eGaming.
- Explore the odds and markets: Right after going through the safety-related details, you should focus on checking the available odds and markets. Look for sites with competitive odds and dedicated boosts for events you like to wager on.
- Inquire about the payment methods: Moving on, you should select bookies with a wide range of convenient payment options, depending on your preference. If you take a peek at our list, you’ll notice plenty of sportsbooks that accept MasterCard and VISA, but also those that support e-wallets and even crypto.
- Go through the bonuses: Finally, you should also check available offers, including welcome boosts and free bets.
Along with all that, a good betting site in Japan should have a dedicated app. It can be a great addition, especially if you fancy placing some in-play wagers and following up on in-play stats.
Which Japanese Bookmaker Has the Best Odds?
Due to the lack of local bookmakers, our search for the most convenient odds in Japan led us to offshore sites. We’ve compared them and as it turns out, there’s no single solution for finding the most competitive prices.
So, make sure to shop around based on your preferred sports and events. Platforms like BetWinner might offer more convenient football odds than Megapari, but the latter could beat it in terms of baseball prices.
Payment Methods at Japanese Sportsbooks
Since online betting in Japan is illegal, you shouldn't use direct bank transfers to fund your account. Local banks know that many bettors go around the law and wager on international bookmakers, so they've implemented restrictions that make it impossible to transfer money from banking into betting accounts.
Luckily, you can go with plenty of different alternatives. Some of the best ones include digital wallets like ecoPayz, WebMoney, Jeton, and Sticpay. Alternatively, mobile payment options such as LINE Pay or MuchBetter will enable you to stay under the radar with your money transfers.
Lastly, some bettors like to use cryptocurrency as it's completely anonymous, which resolves all the issues you would encounter using other payment methods in Japan.
Mobile Betting Sites & Betting Apps in Japan
Mobile wagering is the best way of finding safe Japanese bookies and placing your bets. Most of the brands we’ve listed through this guide feature native applications for both Android and iOS, as well as in-play punting options.
100% up to $600 in Crypto
T&Cs Apply
|
|
100% up to u₿50000
T&Cs Apply
|
|
4.8
Up to $30 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
|
To save you from having to take a look at all known international bookmakers, we’ve already compared their mobile convenience ourselves. You can use our reviews to spot a perfect mobile sportsbook for your needs.
Japanese Live Betting & Streaming
If you're looking to bet on live matches in Japan legally, you're out of luck. The only way you could do it is via offshore platforms, although that’s technically also illegal in the country. A lot of punters manage to get past those rules by using decentralized sites with crypto payments that are virtually untrackable.
The Legal Situation of Sports Betting in Japan
Sports are a big deal in Japan, and many locals are huge fans of football, tennis, golf, horse racing, and baseball. However, when it comes to gambling, the situation is quite complex.
According to the country's law, it’s currently illegal, other than some forms of gaming like lotteries and pachinko. Pari-mutuel wagering is also allowed, but only on a handful of sports and events.
History of Sports Betting in Japan
The Penal Code of Japan (Chapter 23) states that all gambling in the state is illegal, but the law dates back to 1907 and is fairly outdated. Since there is no modern gambling framework, some forms of sports wagering in Japan are legal.
Locals can still bet on “public sports,” including horse racing, cycling, powerboat racing, and motorsports. Notably, though, all forms of punts are pari-mutuel.
In 1998, Japan allowed betting on the J-League in football, but again, it wasn't the standard form of wagering we know from other countries. Instead, native bettors can enjoy a to-to system with 13 or 5 games. As for the other forms of online betting, they’re still illegal in 2025.
Responsible Gambling Organizations in Japan
Below, there are some international companies and organizations that can help if you’re struggling with gambling problems in Japan.
- GamStop
- GambleAware
- GamCare
- Gambling Therapy
- Net Nanny
- CYBERsitter
- Betfilter
- GamBlock
- Qustodio
- Gamban
- Gamblers Anonymous
Japan Overview
Japan has a very restrictive sports betting scene, which completely disallows any form of online wagering and only offers a limited variety of sports. We tried to cover it all in this guide, and we’ll also give you some interesting facts about the country before you start:
- Tokyo is Japan's capital and largest city, followed by Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Kobbe.
- The official language of Japan is Japanese, but there are many dialects. Other languages spoken the country include Bengali, Burmese, and Chinese.
- Japanese Yen is the official currency of Japan, but of late, many people have started using cryptocurrency, which has become very popular over the last couple of years.
- Bettors from Japan prefer to use anonymous payment methods such as MuchBetter, ecoPayz, WebMoney, Jeton, and Sticpay.
- Japan has no legal and licensed betting sites.
- Some of the most popular sports in Japan are football, horse racing, cycling, and motorsports.
- Japan is home to many prominent sports competitions, such as J-League, V-League, X-League, and Japan Rugby League One.
- Some of the most popular Japanese sports teams are Shin Nihon Steel, Kashima Antlers, and Yomiuri Giants.
- Japan is home to many great sports athletes, including Yuzuru Hanyu, Naomi Osaka, Kei Nishikori, Hideki Matsuyama, and Shohei Ohtani.
Bottom Line
The Japanese online betting world is fascinating, but unfortunately, the government has yet to make any movements toward fully legalizing it. Instead, it has implemented stricter punishments for those breaking the law, and while it is still possible to find an online betting site you can join as a local bettor, it might be wiser to wait for the country to accept online betting. In the meantime, we recommend many other options to bet with BetZillion's platform through our guides, so make sure to check them out!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the best betting site in Japan right now?Since Japan doesn’t allow local online bookies, the race for the status of the best betting site in the country is mainly led by offshore platforms. Some picks that are the most qualified for that title include 22Bet, N1Bet, 1xBet, and 20Bet.
-
Is online sports betting legal in Japan?No. Online sports betting in Japan is illegal and not allowed. You can still bet on sports online via international bookmakers, but Japanese sportsbooks offer only sports betting options.
-
Can you use the Betfair sportsbook in Japan?You can't use Betfair in Japan. The company does not accept bets from Japanese people. Currently, it has no intention of offering its betting exchange to Japanese people, nor does Betfair intend to include Japanese horse racing on its platform.
-
Is there such a thing as a Bitcoin bookmaker in Japan?Even though there are no online betting sites in Japan, some people still use online bookies to bet, and most punters prefer crypto bookmakers. Still, there are no local Japanese crypto bookmakers. That is because all crypto deposits are anonymous and allow people to bet without getting spotted.
-
What can you bet on in Japan?While online betting in Japan is prohibited, you can still bet on a handful of sports, including J-League football, horse racing, baseball, cycling, and motorsports. However, betting options are very limited to pari-mutuel betting and to-to betting.
-
How can I deposit at Japanese betting sites?There are no Japanese betting sites. But if you decide to use any international bookmakers to bet from Japan, you should use e-wallets for your deposits. That is because bank transfers to a betting account aren't possible due to strict restrictions.
-
How do I know your recommended sites are the top sport betting sites for players from Japan?At BetZillion, we work with a team of betting experts who live and breathe online betting and have enough knowledge to recognise solid betting sites. We tested and reviewed all bookmakers on our list and can guarantee they’re legit, safe, and offer a dependable betting service.
-
Can you use PayPal in Japan for online sports betting?PayPal is not the best option for online betting since not many bookmakers accept it. Japan has no online betting sites, so PayPal isn't an optimal choice either, but you can find an international bookmaker that accepts PayPal.
-
Why is online betting so popular in Japan?Gambling, in general, is prevalent in Japan, which explains why so many people wish for online betting to be legalized. But as it stands now, online betting has yet to be accepted by the law and continues to be illegal.
-
Still have questions?
Ask our experts