Planning a trip? Here’s why you should experience Japanese gambling

Quarantine has us all dreaming of the crazy adventures we can go on when the world opens back up. Since so many of us are already obsessed with Japanese culture to begin with, it’s no surprise a trip to Japan is a top priority for many people. 

But as you plan your trip to Japan, you don’t want to ignore traditional Japanese gambling. You may think it’s just the same as going to any other casino in the world, but you’d be wrong. Gambling has been an integral part of Japanese entertainment for years, so it’s definitely one of the fun things to do in Japan. 

Gambling in the traditional sense is banned in Japan, so the forms of gambling that do exist become a lot more interesting. From pachinko to race betting, gambling is well and alive in Japan. Here’s why you should add it to your trip to Japan.

Unique experiences 

You may not be playing poker or pulling on a slot machine, but Japanese gambling is just as exciting as any other type of gambling you’d enjoy. Pachinko plays similar to pinball, where your goal is to try and score the most “points”, or in this case, balls. Balls then are redeems for prizes in pachinko parlors.

When gambling was banned in Japan, exceptions for pachinko parlors were specifically written into the law to allow them to stay open. Now, nearly half of all leisure time in Japan is spent at pachinko parlors, according to studies. If you want to experience modern Japanese culture, a stop at the pachinko parlor is a must. 

Pachinko is a one-of-a-kind game you have to experience while in Japan. But it’s far from the only type of gambling you can partake in while in the east Asian country. 

Off to the races

Betting on horse & car races is nothing new, as sports betting is popular worldwide. But Kōei kyōgi, also known as public sports, are Japan’s version of parimutuel betting. Focused on horse, bicycle, powerboat, and motorcycle racing, public sports are the only type of betting that is legal in Japan.

Regulated by government officials, public sports offers the excitement you’d expect from live sports betting. The thrill of betting on the underdog and watching them win, or the joy of seeing the champion defend their title; it’s all part of the experience. Sure, it may seem like the exact same experience you’d get at home, but the Japanese culture aspects of public sports will keep you hooked.

The digital age

As the years have gone by, Japanese culture has changed their opinion on gambling. While you cannot open a casino, some major corporations are working with the government to open casinos in larger Japanese cities. MGM, Sands, Wynn, and more have all put in bids to open casinos in Osaka, Tokyo, and other larger cities. 

While physical casinos have hit a standstill, online casinos have grown in recent years. However, if you’re looking for the top tier casinos, the best casino games are available on Casino Secret. Arguably Japan’s biggest online casino, Casino Secret has been attracting gamblers with its winning combination of games, bonuses, and security. 

Casino Secret is restricted by country however, which means to experience everything the online casino has to offer, you do actually have to be in Japan. Of course, there’s always the VPN option so you can gamble from the comfort of your own home. But why not fly to Japan?

Japanese gambling is a time

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you don’t want to miss out on these gambling opportunities. Japanese culture may reject traditional gambling activities, but the options you have are nothing to sneeze at. 

Make sure you add in time to stop by the pachinko parlor or a public sports race while in Japan, to get all that Japanese culture can offer you.