Hey everyone, I just got the news that my job is transferring me from the US to our Tokyo office. Super excited about the move but I have a question about sports betting in Japan. I’m really into NBA betting and have been using Stake for my bets. Does anyone know if I can continue this in Japan? Are there specific restrictions I should be aware of? Would love to get insights from anyone who’s been in a similar situation or knows about the local laws regarding online betting. Thanks! I’d hate to give it up…
by grickenhig
10 comments
This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.
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**Can I bet in Japan?**
Hey everyone, I just got the news that my job is transferring me from the US to our Tokyo office. Super excited about the move but I have a question about sports betting in Japan. I’m really into NBA betting and have been using Stake for my bets. Does anyone know if I can continue this in Japan? Are there specific restrictions I should be aware of? Would love to get insights from anyone who’s been in a similar situation or knows about the local laws regarding online betting. Thanks! I’d hate to give it up…
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No you cannot bet on the NBA. Only certain sports are permitted (公営競技)
> I’m really into NBA betting and have been using Stake for my bets. Does anyone know if I can continue this in Japan?
Legally? No.
You’re moving to the other side of the world, and your immediate concern is whether you can keep gambling on sports?
I’m not qualified to diagnose you with gambling addiction. However, if I were in your shoes, I’d take a moment to introspect the role that gambling plays in my life.
Stake is solely crypto betting platform, so there won’t be any issues depositing and playing (even without a vpn). The biggest problem would be to turn any potential winnings into fiat later
Maybe you could use a VPN. NBA betting is top tier
Winners never give up
you SURE CAN bet. Forget about NBA.
Check it out.[ Keirin races](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoijD94Zo0g)
here’s a modern one [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhKeh1BDKLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhKeh1BDKLo)
You always can with a VPN as long as the app doesn’t mind VPN usage and you put the funds on an account that you can withdraw from. There is also a lot of pachinko machines everywhere, just remember, keep in mind that gambling can become addictive as HELL.
Criminal Code Chapter 23 bans most forms of gambling, the few exceptions being Kōei Kyōgi 公営競技 (as another comment already mentioned), the Loto 宝くじ, and Pachinko.
Japanese law enforcement has an enthusiastic pride in their 99.9% conviction rate and will happily help you ruin your career/life if you are caught. So I would strongly suggest erring on the side of caution.