Japan’s poker scene continues to grow—slowly but surely. While the country’s strict gambling laws still make things complicated, changes are happening. With new casino resorts on the horizon, poker is gaining more visibility and legitimacy. Here’s a 2025 guide to understanding where things stand.
Poker and the Law in Japan
Online Poker Now
Still Technically Illegal
Japan’s gambling law from 1907 bans online betting, including poker. That said:
•Players aren’t targeted. Authorities haven’t gone after individuals who play online.
•Access is open.There are no blocks or firewalls stopping people from using international poker sites.
Payments Can Be Tricky
•Credit card payments to gambling sites are usually declined by Japanese banks.
•Players often use e-wallets like Neteller or Skrill to make deposits and withdrawals.
Where People Play
Japanese players often join online poker games through international services that remain accessible without government restrictions. Despite strict gambling laws, playing on these platforms has not been targeted by authorities, making online poker a popular option. Online tournaments, such as the Everest Poker Japan Cup, continue to attract new Japanese players.
Live Poker in Japan
Integrated Resorts Are Coming
•Japan passed a law in 2016 allowing casino resorts that include legal gambling.
•In 2023, the government approved the first integrated resort in Osaka, scheduled to open in 2029.
•Poker is expected to be part of these new casinos.
There Will Be Rules
•Locals will pay an entry fee (¥6,000 or about \$40 USD) to limit frequent gambling.
•Foreign visitors won’t face these restrictions.
Current Live Poker Options
Until the casinos open, players join local tournaments with non-cash prizes. These are legal because they don’t involve gambling for money. Popular events include:
•Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT): Winners earn spots in international events.
•All Japan Poker Championship (AJPC): Offers travel packages to big poker events in Asia.
•WPT Japan: Still active, but prizes are sponsorships or entries, not cash.
Playing Online Poker Today
Getting Started
•Pick a trusted platform or online casino.
•Use Neteller, Skrill, or similar e-wallets for payments.
Tips for Japanese Players
•Join Japan-focused tournaments like Everest Poker’s online cup.
•Try out faster-paced games and smaller tables, which are growing in popularity.
Playing Poker in Person
Legal Venues (Looking Ahead to 2029)
•Osaka’s upcoming integrated resort will finally give Japan a legal space for live poker.
•These venues will be regulated and focused on tourism, with poker included as part of the offering.
Tournaments You Can Join Now
Stick with legal events that follow Japanese laws by offering non-cash rewards:
• Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT)
• All Japan Poker Championship (AJPC)
• WPT Japan (World Poker Tour Japan)u
Avoid Underground Poker
• Illegal games, often run by criminal groups, carry serious consequences.
• First-time offenders face jail time and fines.
• Repeat offenses can mean years in prison and six-figure penalties.
• Simply put: don’t risk it.
Poker’s Future in Japan
Legal Poker Is Coming
With Osaka’s resort approved, legal poker in Japan is finally on the way. It may take a few more years, but real progress is happening.
A Growing Community
Poker isn’t mainstream in Japan yet, but that may change. Players like Naoya Kihara, Japan’s first WSOP bracelet winner, continue to inspire a new generation. Interest is rising—online and abroad.
Wrapping it Up!
Poker in Japan is still limited, but the future looks brighter. For now, players can enjoy online games and local tournaments with non-cash prizes while waiting for the first legal casinos to open. As long as you stay within the law, there’s still plenty of room to enjoy the game—and get ready for the poker boom that may finally be on its way.