Most forms of gambling are illegal in Japan under Chapter 23 of the Criminal Code, with some notable exceptions. I'll explain exactly what's allowed and what isn't under Japanese law.

The Japanese government strictly prohibits most gambling activities, including casinos, sports betting, and poker. Anyone caught gambling illegally can face up to 3 years in prison or fines up to ¥500,000 (approximately $3,400 USD).

However, there are several legal forms of gambling in Japan:

1. Pachinko - A pinball-like game that operates in a legal grey area
2. Public sports betting on horse racing, bicycle racing, motorboat racing, and motorcycle racing
3. Public lotteries (takarakuji)
4. Licensed casinos in integrated resorts (as of 2018)

The Integrated Resort (IR) Implementation Law of 2018 marked a significant change in Japan's gambling landscape. This law allows for the construction and operation of up to three casino resorts across the country, though none are operational as of 2024.

Pachinko remains Japan's most popular form of gambling-like entertainment. While gambling for cash is illegal, players can exchange their winnings for prizes, which can then be sold for cash at separate locations - a workaround that keeps the practice technically legal.

Public sports betting, known as "Public Sport," is managed by various government organizations:

- Japan Racing Association (JRA) for horse racing
- Japan Keirin Autorace Foundation (JKA) for bicycle and motorcycle racing
- Local governments for motorboat racing

The national lottery, operated by local governments and overseen by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, is completely legal and widely available through authorized retailers.

For tourists visiting Japan, it's important to note that participating in illegal gambling activities can result in arrest and prosecution, regardless of nationality. The safest approach is to stick to government-regulated forms of gambling or wait for the licensed integrated resorts to open.

Foreign gambling websites and online casinos are also illegal in Japan, though enforcement of online gambling laws remains challenging. Japanese authorities actively block access to offshore gambling sites and prohibit financial institutions from processing gambling-related transactions.

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