Sports betting sites in Japan can be difficult to find due to the country’s restrictive stance on gambling on sports. Players are only able to bet on a limited number of regulated sports in specific ways. However, Japanese players still have plenty of options if they want to gamble on sports in a more open manner.
Japan sportsbooks, which are regulated by international gambling authorities, allow gamblers within the country easy access to a wide selection of sports betting options. Our team has tracked down the very best offshore sites, so we’ll run you through them with in-depth reviews. We’ll also delve into the legalities of sports betting in Japan, the sports that are most important in the country, and the most common betting types you’ll come across.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Japan?
Sports betting in Japan is best described as constricted, with only public sports like horse racing and certain soccer betting formats regulated by the country’s government.
But Japanese players are still free to access top offshore sportsbooks, which can provide far wider-ranging betting opportunities on dozens of available sports. Below, we’ve listed some of the key benefits of using an offshore site for your sports betting needs.
💰Generous bonuses and ongoing promotions
🪙Wide variety of crypto options with fast transactions
⚾Extensive baseball coverage and markets
📱Fully optimized for mobile devices
📹Live streaming of select sports events
🎮Top Esports markets covering the biggest games
Top 10 Online Betting Sites in Japan
We won’t keep you waiting any longer. Here are the best betting sites in Japan that made our final list, all with the top reason you should try them out.
| Rating | Brand | Check it out for |
| 🥇 | Yuugado | Top sportsbook for soccer betting |
| 🥈 | Vera and John | Top virtual sports betting options |
| 🥉 | Eldoah | Customer-friendly payment policies |
| 4️⃣ | Parimatch | Wide selection of cryptocurrencies |
| 5️⃣ | Casino Secret | Generous sign-up and referral offers |
| 6️⃣ | Wikibet | In-depth J.League soccer markets |
| 7️⃣ | Samba slots | 10% weekly cashback on offer |
| 8️⃣ | Golden Panda | Competitive odds for baseball betting |
| 9️⃣ | InstaSpin | Seamless site design for desktop and mobile |
| 🔟 | FastSlots | Choose from 30 sports to wager on |
Best Sports Betting Sites in Japan By Categories
If you’re looking for the best bookmakers in Japan, you’ll find our picks below. Our reviews examine the key features, sports offerings, and top markets for each of our top five sites.
1. Yuugado – Top Sportsbook for Soccer Betting
The Rundown
📝License: Curaçao Gaming Authority
💰Welcome Bonus: Up to 250%
🔁Wagering Requirements: 20x
🔓Requires VPN to access
✅Over 1,000 soccer games to bet on
✅Comprehensive prop betting options
✅Extensive pre-match and live MLB wagering
❌Limited ongoing promotions
The Details
Yuugado is our pick in a highly competitive field of sports betting sites in Japan, and for good reason. Soccer is one of the most popular betting sports in the country, and Yuugado covers it as well as any site out there. At the time of our review, Yuugado had over 1,000 different soccer games to bet on, including the J.League, each with a huge variety of bets. The number of props and variations of totals were among the best we found.
Soccer is among 35+ sports you’ll find at Yuugado, so if the beautiful game isn’t your thing, there is definitely something for you. Baseball, tennis, table tennis, and basketball also have coverage of leagues and tournaments from around the world. If Shohei Ohtani’s incredible exploits have made you a Los Angeles Dodgers fan, Yuugado boasts a great range of baseball markets, making it one of the best MLB betting sites.
What are the best sports betting sites for Japanese players?
2. Vera and John – Top Virtual Sports Betting Options
The Rundown
📝License: Curaçao Gaming Authority
💰Welcome Bonus: Up to $1,000
🔁Wagering Requirements: N/A
🔓VPN required
✅Downloadable Android app
✅Top virtual soccer betting game
✅Clean, easy-to-navigate interface
❌No traditional sportsbook
The Details
While Vera and John doesn’t have a sportsbook, we found an exciting selection of sports-related games that should satisfy sports bettors. The standout option was Virtual Football Pro from 1X2gaming, which allows players to bet on the outcomes of virtual soccer games. Leagues from around the world are updated regularly with new team and player information, including the J.League. With 16 markets to choose from, sports bettors should be happy.
For those looking to play on the go, Vera and John is among the best options. The platform provides a dedicated Android app, which comes with a host of benefits. These include push notifications, biometric logins, and app-specific promotions like up to $150 in cashback bonuses.
3. Eldoah – Customer-Friendly Payment Policies
The Rundown
📝License: Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros
💰Welcome Bonus: No Deposit Bonus up to ¥2,000
🔁Wagering Requirements: N/A
🔓Site needs VPN to access
✅Unlimited, instant withdrawals
✅Security features like two-factor authentication
✅VIP program full of top perks
❌Limited live betting options
The Details
Eldoah is a standout sports betting platform for Japanese players whose priority is fast and customer-friendly transactions. Eldoah allows deposits and withdrawals using cryptocurrencies, bank transfers, Payz, and more. The site allows players to deposit as little as ¥2,000, while withdrawal minimums start at ¥5,000. Even better, Eldoah has no withdrawal limits whatsoever, charges no fees except for bank transfers, and payouts are instant.
Eldoah also makes it easy to bet on sports, with a well-designed and minimalist site design that allows players to jump around the sportsbook with ease. The site has over 25 sports to enjoy, including soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball. Soccer is the most well-covered sport, with hundreds of daily markets to choose from. Eldoah’s main drawback is its live betting section, which isn’t as extensive as others on this list.
4. Parimatch – Wide Selection Of Cryptocurrencies
The Rundown
📝License: Curaçao Gaming Authority
💰Welcome Bonus: 150% Welcome Bonus
🔁Wagering Requirements: N/A
🔓VPN required to access
✅Huge selection of betting markets for soccer
✅Supports cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin
✅Dedicated section for games with Japanese athletes
❌Occasional long loading times on desktop
The Details
Parimatch should be on the radar of every Japanese sports betting fan, as the site heavily caters to the market. Soccer is the main selling point, with dozens of betting options for J.League, including a huge selection of pro bets. Parimatch also has sections for baseball, sumo, and Rizin FF. Another standout feature is “GO Japan,” which is a dedicated page for games that feature Japanese athletes.
Japanese players can dive into all these betting options once they fund their account, which is simple and easy at Parimatch. As one of the best crypto betting sites, Parimatch supports a wide selection of coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, and Litecoin. These cryptocurrencies enable Japanese players to easily deposit and withdraw using Yen.
Do betting sites in Japan offer welcome bonuses?
5. Casino Secret – Generous Sign-Up And Referral Offers
The Rundown
📝License: Curaçao Gaming Authority
💰Welcome Bonus: Up to $1,000
🔁Wagering Requirements: 20x
🔓Must utilize VPN to play
✅Accepts a wide variety of cryptocurrencies
✅Sports casino games on offer
✅Customer-friendly bonus terms
❌Bland site design
The Details
Casino Secret boasts an easy sign-up and ID verification procedure, so Japanese players can quickly get started on the platform. Casino Secret also offers a strong welcome bonus. While it’s not the biggest sign-up offer, with up $1,000 split across three parts, the site gives fair wagering requirements (20x) and a lengthy timeframe (30 days) to complete the offer.
While Casino Secret lacks a traditional sportsbook, it supports a wide selection of sports-themed casino games for players to enjoy. This includes soccer, sumo, golf, and baseball-inspired titles, such as Golden Ball, Football Mayhem, and Sumo Supreme Megaways.
How fast are payouts on Japanese betting sites?
Best of the Rest: Other Top Sportsbooks in Japan
If our top five haven’t produced something that grabbed your attention, check out our brief summaries of the remainder of our recommended list.
- Wikibet – 100% Welcome Bonus up to ¥50,000
Wikibet has something for every Japanese sports bettor, with in-depth soccer and baseball. The site boasts comprehensive coverage of the J-League, with consistent game coverage of all three divisions. Wikibet’s variety of betting markets is top-notch, with hundreds on offer for every J-League game. - Samba Slots – 200% Welcome Bonus up to €5,000
Samba Slots is another great option for soccer betting. Players will find solid J-League markets, as well as extensive options for international top leagues. While other sports don’t get quite the same attention, Samba Slots boasts other top features to compensate, like a weekly 10% cashback and one of the best bet builders out there. - Golden Panda – 200% Welcome Bonus up to €5,000
Golden Panda makes things simple and accessible for Japanese players, with a fully Japanese-translated site, fast cryptocurrency payments for anonymity, and competitive markets for top sports like baseball and soccer. Golden Panda lacks ongoing promotions, but if you want a break from sports, it has a top integrated online casino. - InstaSpin – Welcome Bonus up to $2,500
InstaSpin stands out for its seamless and intuitive site design, which works equally well on desktop and mobile. Navigating around InstaSpin’s Japan sportsbook is always easy, with clear menus and betting markets. We were also impressed by InstaSpin’s esports section, which boasts deep coverage of Japan’s most popular titles, including League of Legends. - FastSlots – 200% Welcome Bonus up to €5,000
FastSlots earned the final spot on our list thanks to its sheer variety of sports, which was nearly 30 at the time of writing. The major sports like soccer and baseball are here, of course, but FastSlots is great for fans of tennis and golf, with dedicated betting markets for the biggest events.
An Overview of Legal Betting Options in Japan
As we mentioned before, sports betting in Japan is restricted under the country’s penal code. There are exceptions for legal sports betting, as we’ll detail below,
Retail Sports Betting Options in Japan
There are a handful of “public sports” that Japan allows its residents under government regulation. These include horse racing, powerboat racing, bicycle racing, and motorcycle racing. Players can also access a limited form of soccer betting through the government’s Toto soccer lottery.
Are Online Sportsbooks Legal in Japan?
There are no traditional fixed-odds online sportsbooks in Japan that are regulated within the country. There are options for online sports betting, as players can access the aforementioned public sports, like horse racing and motorcycle racing, online to bet on major races.
What About Offshore Sportsbooks in Japan?
Offshore sportsbooks operate in a grey area in Japan. It is not an offense to use them, but they aren’t regulated by the Japanese government, which takes a strict approach to gambling in general. This means offshore sportsbooks are the only option for Japanese players who want to gamble on a wide range of sports. Just make sure you’re using one of the safe and secure offshore sites, which includes our recommendations.
Are offshore betting sites safe for Japanese players?
Our Criteria For Best Betting Sites In Japan
To help you better understand our reviews and make a more informed choice, we’ve broken down exactly how our team reviews and rates sports betting sites in Japan.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Japanese gamblers want transactions that are both safe and fast. Our team only recommends sites that provide a variety of payment options, including cryptocurrencies, eWallets, and cards. Deposits should nearly always be instant, with top sites charging no fees. We also highly value customer-friendly minimums and maximums, allowing for both casual and serious bettors.
Japanese Betting Markets
To get a spot on our list, a betting site needs to prioritize sports and markets that Japanese players gravitate toward. So major traditional sports like basketball and soccer are non-negotiable, with extensive coverage of the top leagues like the Nippon Professional Baseball and MLB. We want to see not only moneylines, totals, and spreads, but also in-depth futures, props, and live betting options.
Safety And Security
Safety is of the utmost importance to us when recommending sports betting sites. Our team thoroughly vets and evaluates each site, ensuring they are fully licensed, pay out winnings promptly, and offer security features like SSL encryption and two-factor authentication.
Promotions
To get a high place on our list of Japan sportsbooks, a site needs to be committed to rewarding new and current customers alike. So while a generous welcome bonus with fair wagering requirements will help them rate highly, our team also looks for great ongoing promotions that bolster the betting experience. These include reload offers, cashback, VIP programs, parlay insurance, and free bets.
Odds
Few factors matter more when reviewing a sportsbook than the competitiveness and timeliness of its odds. Japan betting sites can boast all sorts of sports, markets, and features, but if the odds don’t stack up to the competition, it isn’t worth your time. Our team dives into the details of each site’s bets, evaluating them across multiple sports to determine how competitive they are.
Sports Betting Bonuses in Japan
Bonuses are a great way to even the playing field against sports betting sites in Japan, as using the right promotions in the right way can help boost your bankroll, maximize the odds of your bets, and ease the hit on any potential losses.
Deposit Match
A deposit match is an offer in which Japanese sports betting sites will match your first deposit with the platform by a set percentage, such as 200%. Deposit matches also commonly have an upper limit for how much the sportsbook will match.
Deposit match offers are the most popular form of sign-up offer. You should always check a deposit match bonus’s wagering requirement and expiry date to ensure they are reasonable.
Best Bonus: Yuugado – Welcome bonus up to 250%
Free Bets
Sports betting sites in Japan give bettors the chance to make bets with site credits that allow them to keep the winnings if the bet is successful. Free bets are occasionally offered as a welcome bonus, but they are more commonly available for specific sports or major events. None of our recommended sites gives free bets currently, but Samba Slot’s cashback offer can boost your bankroll in a similar way.
Best Bonus: Samba Slots – 10% weekly cashback
Risk-Free Bets
You likely won’t find many risk-free bets, which refund your initial stake if the bet is unsuccessful, at Japan sportsbooks. But they can pop up for big international events, and can be useful if you want to take a shot at a long-odds bet.
Best Bonus: N/A
Odds Boosts
Odds boosts provide more competitive payouts by artificially increasing the lines for certain sporting events, which are selected by sportsbooks in Japan. They can also come in the form of parlay boost promotions, which can bolster a combination bet’s payout for every additional leg added.
Best Bonus: Parimatch – Parlay boosts for pre-made combinations
Parlay Insurance
Parlay insurance refunds a player’s stake if their combination falls short by one leg. This refund is often given in the form of site credit and will have a maximum limit. Parlay insurance often has other stipulations, such as minimums for the number of legs needed to qualify and odds allowed.
Best Bonus: N/A
Payment Methods for Japanese Betting Sites
Sports betting sites in Japan offer a wide range of payment methods to choose from. However, it’s essential to note that players must navigate some of Japan’s strict banking rules when it comes to gambling.
- Cryptocurrencies – As many traditional payment methods in Japan can restrict gambling-related transactions, many bettors are turning to cryptocurrencies for their anonymity. Popular coins like Bitcoin, Tether, and Ethereum allow sports bettors to make instant deposits and withdrawals within hours. They also have some of the highest limits, making them ideal for high-roller sports bettors.
- eWallets – eWallets are a popular choice for betting online, as they can help navigate around the strict rules of Japanese banks. With over 50 million users, PayPay is the most-used eWallet in Japan. But Skrill and Neteller betting sites are strong alternatives. eWallets aren’t universally available, but when they are, they provide fast and secure transactions.
- Traditional payment methods – As mentioned above, Japan’s financial institutions are serious about preventing bank transfers and card payments from being used for gambling. While card payments are widely accepted at our recommended sportsbooks, Japanese players will need to use international accounts to utilize their benefits, which include instant deposits and low minimums.
Japanese Yen Availability
Japanese yen is not universally available at our recommended sportsbooks. Some support it through eWallets or cryptocurrencies, but Japanese players will need to resort to using other major currencies, such as the US dollar, to participate at top offshore sites.
Can I deposit using Japanese Yen (JPY)?
Sports Betting Market & Trends in Japan
Let’s examine some of the unique betting trends and markets you’ll find when exploring sports betting sites in Japan.
Horse Racing Dominance
As one of the few legal options, horse racing is one of the main pillars of sports betting in Japan. In fact, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) reported a turnover of ¥3.13 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year.
Soccer Toto Growth
Betting on soccer was legalized through the launch of the Toto soccer lottery in 2001, though in a highly restricted manner. Players can pick the outcome of 13 designated matches in the main toto, or five in a mini toto. You must correctly predict all the results to win. Soccer toto tickets can be purchased online or at convenience stores.
Moneyline Wagers
Moneyline bets couldn’t be simpler, with bettors choosing which team or player they think will win at the odds set by the online betting sites. For example, you can wager on the Kashima Antlers to beat the Urawa Reds.
Point Spread
Point spreads even up betting matchups with handicaps. So instead of betting on the straight-up winner like with moneylines, bettors pick a team to win by a particular margin. Using our previous example, the Kashima Antlers might be -1.5 to beat the Urawa Reds. For a successful bet, they’d need to win by two or more goals.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals, or over/unders, are most commonly wagers on the overall number of goals or points scored in a game. Japan sportsbooks will predict a total, and players decide whether to bet over or under that number. Totals aren’t just for the overall points in a game. They are also used in prop betting, such as points scored by a particular player, or in futures, like a team’s overall wins over a season.
Futures Betting
Rather than focusing on short-term results, like the winner of the next matches, futures betting is all about the long term. Japanese sports bettors can wager on futures like the winner of the NPB’s Japan Series.
Is online sports betting legal in Japan?
The Most Popular Sports to Bet on in Japan
Japan is a sports-obsessed country, enjoying a vast spectrum of sports. Here are some of the most popular ones, their relevance within the country, and their major stars and sporting events.
Baseball: NPB & MLB
Baseball is by far the most popular sport in Japan, with millions of fans following the country’s professional league, the Nippon Professional Baseball, as well as the US’s Major League Baseball. The NPB boasts 12 teams across two divisions, and it’s important to note that Japanese baseball differs slightly from the American version, with a small field and ball.
While baseball has always been popular in Japan following its introduction to the country in 1872, it’s more culturally relevant than ever before. Japan won the World Baseball Classic for the fourth time in 2023. A big reason for the victory was two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who has become the face of the MLB in recent years after leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to back-to-back World Series wins in 2024 and 2025 while racking up four MVP awards.
Soccer: J.League & European Leagues
If any sport in Japan can rival baseball for popularity, it’s soccer. The J.League, which was formed in 1993, garners a lot of attention. The seasons for the three main divisions usually run from February or March through to November or December. Japanese sports fans also closely follow some of the major European leagues, such as the English Premier League, as well as top international tournaments like the World Cup.
Horse Racing
As a public sport, Japan offers betting on horse racing, or keiba, but under government regulation. The JRA and the National Association of Racing (NAR) operate national and local horse racing events, respectively. Top events include the Japan Cup, Arima Kinen, and Tokyo Yushun.
Basketball: NBA & Beyond
Basketball is seeing a significant uptick in relevance in Japan, especially as a played sport among younger people. There are a variety of factors powering basketball’s rise. Some cite the popularity of the manga series “Slam Dunk,” which introduced the sport to a new audience.
There is also the success of Japanese NBA player Rui Hachimura, who’s a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers alongside the likes of LeBron James, who is a player you can wager on in the best college basketball betting sites. The rise of Japan’s own basketball league, the B.League, also deserves a mention. It has garnered more attention since Japan co-hosted the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, sparking more interest in the sport.
Esports
Esports might not be as popular in Japan as it is in the neighboring countries of China or South Korea, but it is still an emerging sport, especially among younger people. Major esports games to bet on, like League of Legends and Valorant, are favorites of Japanese fans, as are titles like Street Fighter. According to Statista, the esports market in Japan is projected to reach $178.8 million in 2025.
Tennis
Tennis isn’t on the level of soccer or baseball in terms of popularity or cultural significance, but it’s become one of the increasingly popular sports in the last decade thanks to several prominent Japanese players, as well as top tournaments like the Japan Open and the Pan Pacific Open.
Kei Nishikori is one of the most famous Japanese tennis professionals. He was a consistent presence in the final stages of Grand Slams in the 2010s and is the only male Japanese player to be ranked in the top five in singles. He also beat Rafael Nadal in the 2016 Olympics to earn a bronze medal. More recently, Naomi Osaka has become the face of Japanese tennis, becoming the first Asian player to earn the world No. 1 women’s singles spot, as well as four Grand Slam victories.
Signing Up: How to Get Your Japan Sports Betting Site Account
Getting started with top sports betting sites in Japan is intuitive, with most following a uniform sign-up procedure that you’ll likely be familiar with. But just in case, we’ve provided a quick step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Sign Up
Choose one of our carefully selected Japanese betting sites, which all offer secure betting and outstanding odds for top sports. Head over to your chosen site and start the registration process by clicking the “Sign Up” button. Each site requires slightly different personal information to be entered, but most ask for your full name, email address, and phone number. Most no KYC casinos will not ask for any more than that though.
Step 2: Deposit
Fund your account by heading to the cashier page and choosing between the available deposit options, such as PayPay or cryptocurrencies. Each payment method will have its own minimums, maximums, and fees, so be sure to check them out before deciding.
Step 3: Play Now
With your account all set up and your bankroll funded, you’re free to browse the top Japanese sports markets at your chosen sportsbook.
Japanese Sports Betting Apps and Mobile Betting Options
As residents of a country that is always on the cutting edge of technology, Japanese players prioritize being able to bet on sports on the go. Top sports betting sites in Japan provide this option either through dedicated iOS and Android apps or through mobile-optimized sites accessible through browsers.
Our recommended sites mostly use mobile-optimized sites, which mimic the desktop experience but with a reworked UI to better suit mobile devices. This includes simpler menus, faster loading times, and occasionally, mobile-only bonuses. But don’t worry. All of our sites provide full access to the sports and markets available on desktop, with standout options including Yuugado and Parimatch.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling is the key to long-term, healthy enjoyment for sports betting. It’s important to practice habits like bankroll and time management, ensuring you always bet within your means and never play for extended periods of time without a break. If you struggle to set these boundaries yourself, our recommended sites provide an array of responsible gambling tools to assist you.
You can usually access these tools through your account page or by contacting customer service. Responsible gambling features at online sports betting sites include deposit limits, betting limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling issues, contact one of these organizations for help.
Best Japan Sports Betting Sites Online
After our research, our team landed on Yuugado as the top option among the online sports betting sites we reviewed. Fans of soccer betting will find everything they could need at Yuugado, with local coverage of all three tiers of the J.League, as well as top European leagues and international tournaments. Yuugado’s baseball coverage is just as impressive, so MLB and NPB bettors can dive into top betting options that include in-depth pre-game and live markets.
Since: July 22, 2025
