Where to Buy an Online Casino in Japan (Nippon)

Industry analysts estimate Japan’s online gambling segment at roughly $4.5B in 2025 with strong upside through 2030. This explains the steady operator interest despite regulatory headwinds. Understanding the local rules, culture, and payment habits is the difference between a risky experiment and a long-term, compliant business plan.

If you want to open a casino in Tokyo, familiarize yourself with this review of the Japanese gambling market, prepared by the Smart Money team.

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Characteristics of Japanese Online Gambling Laws

Traditional Japanese slot machines have long been one of the few legal types of gambling. However, the locals wanted to be involved in the development of the gambling business in Nippon more actively. Therefore, representatives of public organizations put forward their claims for the legalization of gaming in Nippon. After much debate, the country's leaders decided to change Japanese gambling legislation and allow the residents to visit land-based casinos.

The current policy roadmap ties any future casino activity to large integrated resorts (IRs) with strict visit limits and entry fees for residents. Meanwhile, online casino operations inside Japan remain prohibited.

In June 2025, lawmakers also tightened advertising rules and clarified that online gambling is illegal domestically. The ban on promotional activity (taking effect in September 2025) aimed at preserving Japanese audiences even further.

Nevertheless, the results of such changes in Japanese casino legislation are not tangible today. The first large gaming establishments will be opened in the country only this year. Moreover, more and more gamblers prefer to use virtual platforms instead of visiting real casinos. This trend is provoked by several factors:

1. Accessibility of online gambling for a broad audience. People of any age and income level can use virtual resources. In addition, such websites work around the clock. They are available both on personal computers and on mobile devices.
2. Possibility to make small bets. The amount of the minimum bet is only a few dollars (or even a few cents in some online institutions).
3. Confidentiality of personal data. Personal information of users is protected. The intervention of third parties is excluded.

Local UX expectations matter as well. Players are used to pachinko’s sensory intensity (bright visuals, layered sound cues, and quick feedback), so casino products that mirror this design language tend to convert better. Anime and manga aesthetics also resonate strongly and are frequently used for mascots, themes, and loyalty assets.

It is noteworthy that the country's leadership prohibits the creation of virtual projects in Japan. However, the activities of foreign gaming resources are not forbidden. Therefore, the only legal way to conduct a gambling business in Tokyo is to license the gaming company in the offshore zone. A turnkey online casino in Japan is an excellent variant for beginners.

That said, enforcement has been increasing. Reported cases against users of unlicensed sites rose to record levels in 2024, and ad restrictions now explicitly target offshore promotion to Japanese residents. When operators want to start a gambling project with the target of the local audience, professional legal guidance is essential when shaping acquisition funnels.

Restricted Casino Providers in Japan

A positive business image and work following current legislation are the main principles of our studio’s operation. Our experts carefully research laws before providing services in a particular jurisdiction.

The operations of several vendors are restricted in particular regions according to their gambling regulations.

In Japan, these are the following manufacturers:

• Yggdrasil Asia;
• CT Interactive (former CT Gaming);
• DLV;
• Evolution Gaming;
• Ganapati;
• Wazdan.

The restricted list can evolve as corporate structures, certifications, or market interpretations change. Smart Money tracks updates and proposes compliant substitutes with similar math models and themes to keep roadmaps intact.

How to Start a Gambling Business in Tokyo

If you decided to open an online casino in Nippon, be prepared for the fact that you have to go through many complicated steps on the path of your project development. Many beginning businessmen do not possess the necessary information about the specifics of the Japanese gambling market. As a result, they make a lot of mistakes and risk losing their money.

To avoid such situations, you need to take issues related to the creation of your business very responsibly. How to start a gambling business in Japan efficiently? The ideal solution for novices is to cooperate with experienced intermediaries. Reliable companies, such as Smart Money, are ready to help entrepreneurs complete all the stages necessary to launch a virtual project correctly.

An aggregator model shortens time-to-market and reduces vendor management risk. Note that Japanese bettors reportedly channel tens of billions of dollars annually to offshore sites. So, capturing a small, compliant share with professional assistance through careful targeting and strong retention can be compelling.

The Purchase of Gaming Solutions

The subject of purchasing casino software in Nippon is a crucial issue for local businessmen. The modern gambling market offers many interesting solutions. However, not all companies have a good reputation and extensive experience. To select suitable gaming products and buy gambling software of the top level, pay attention to the following criteria.

Additionally, it is crucial to assess whether math profiles align with local preferences. Medium volatility with frequent boosters often outperforms ultra-high variance in Japan’s mobile sessions.

Support for Japanese language, yen display, and culturally relevant events (Golden Week, Obon, seasonal gacha-style mechanics) measurably increases engagement.

The Best Gambling Content Vendors

Many entrepreneurs prefer to buy turnkey online casinos in Tokyo. Operators choose this service because of the presence of software from the best manufacturers. Consider some of them.

Evolution Gaming

This provider is engaged in the development of live content. Although it appeared on the gambling market quite recently, it has won the trust of many gamblers and operators.

The main advantages of the brand include:

• perfect video quality;
• chat for communicating with dealers and players;
• quick payouts.

Playtech

This company has been operating in the gaming industry for over 20 years. During this time, it managed to become a leader in this field.

Consider the benefits of this manufacturer:

• creation of software for administering gambling projects;
• excellent image quality;
• constant product range expansion.

Microgaming

Many operators and players know this brand as the creator of the first online casino. Over the long years of its activity, the provider has improved its products. It began to produce cutting-edge casino solutions.

Check out the characteristics of this company:

• free demo versions of products;
• user-friendly interface;
• lots of attractive bonus features.

VIVO Gaming

Lots of businessmen are familiar with this developer of casino software in Nippon.

Its main specialization is the creation of unique live content, characterized by the following advantages:

• professional dealers;
• wide assortment of games;
• fast and secure financial transactions.

NetEnt

If you want to open a casino in Tokyo, pay attention to this brand. The products of this vendor will undoubtedly bring high profits to your project.

The main benefits of this developer are as follows:

• great experience in the gaming industry;
• the use of the latest technology;
• creation of thematic games.

International Game Technology

This company has been producing casino equipment and software for over 40 years. If you are thinking of starting a casino business in Japan, the products of this brand will be the perfect solution for your project.

Here are a few essential characteristics of the American manufacturer:

• interesting variations of classic card games;
• high-quality mobile content;
• realistic graphics and suitable musical accompaniment.

Gaminator

This experienced vendor surprises its customers with vivid and modern content constantly. The best developers of this brand are engaged in creating live games, online slots, and software for administering virtual projects.

Get acquainted with some features of this provider:

• attractive bonus programs;
• availability of free games;
• impeccable reputation of the brand.

When shortlisting vendors, confirm RNG certifications and recent third-party audits. Japanese audiences are sensitive to fairness and transparency claims, so visible badges and test dates help conversion.

Where to Buy a Turnkey Online Casino in Nippon

Many operators want to buy a Japanese casino. They are attracted by the favourable conditions of the local gambling market. However, the launch of a new project is not an easy task. Finding an expertly developed online gambling business for sale may be a perfect way out. Collaboration with professional intermediaries will help you save a lot of time and money.

Smart Money has extensive experience in many countries around the world, including Japan. We offer lots of services for land-based and online businesses. Do not miss your opportunity to purchase a turnkey online casino in Japan. This option includes the preparation of the necessary documentation, business licensing, legal counselling, selection of software, development of an advertising strategy, and many other services.

Moreover, we provide the possibility to rent our software. This variant is ideal for novice entrepreneurs who are not ready to spend large sums on expensive content.

We work with the best developers of gambling software. This way, our online casino business for sale is one of the most demanding proposals on the market. Therefore, you can be sure of the perfect quality of our gaming products.

Plan for a deep payment stack from day one. Japanese users employ cards, e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill, and a growing mix of cryptocurrencies. As an aggregator, Smart Money can connect 200+ methods via a single contract to cut costs and time.

On top of that, do not overlook safer-gambling tooling. Japan’s problem-gambling prevalence is above many regulated markets, so strong limits, self-exclusion, and KYC flows are both ethical and commercially prudent.

The Main Things about Opening an Online Casino in Japan

The country is a high-demand, high-complexity market. Strong consumer interest here meets strict rules that prohibit domestic online casino operation. Future land-based activity will be confined to integrated resorts with tight guardrails, while online advertising to Japanese residents is now more restricted under 2025 rules.

With this in mind, there are a few key aspects about the local gambling culture:

• Pachinko-style audiovisuals and anime-inspired themes raise engagement, particularly on mobile.
• Payments must be flexible, and cards, e-wallets, and crypto are all expected and are simplified greatly with aggregators' multi-rail setups and reconciliation.
• Provider access is not uniform, as several studios are restricted, meaning compliant alternatives and regular audits are essential.
• Working with an experienced intermediary reduces risk across licensing strategy, vendor selection, and ongoing compliance and AML monitoring.
• Responsible gambling features and clear fairness signals (RNG certificates, test lab seals) build trust and long-term retention in a scrutiny-heavy environment.

If you want to buy a turnkey online casino in Tokyo or learn more about the activities of Smart Money, contact our manager to get the necessary information. We will be happy to help you find the optimal option for the start of your own business.

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