Macau Business Daily – Japan has long been touted as an attractive gaming market with a large and relatively rich population base. The country may generate US$10 billion (79.9 billion patacas) revenue a year if it opens up, Union Gaming Group LLC estimated.
Sceptics on the operations side of the industry say that Japan – with its distinct culture and low penetration of English language skills – is likely to focus its casino offer mainly on domestic players.
They also point out that Japanese VIP table players have not been seen in other Asian casino markets in any big numbers since the export-driven boom of the 1980s. They add that pachinko – a machine-based game unique to Japan and highly popular there – is classified under Japanese law not as a casino game of chance but as a “speculative pastime’.
Additionally, while pachinko produces very impressive turnover (i.e. ‘handle’), it doesn’t have the sort of house ‘hold’ rates (i.e. ‘win’ net of prizes paid out) seen in casino slot gaming.
Optimists point out that in Japan there is currently an illegal and untaxed domestic market in Japan for casino-style table games played at what are known euphemistically as ‘bridge clubs’.
Our Most Recent Gambling Headlines:
2026-10-09
Here's a twist we didn't see coming: People's proposed buyout of MGM Resorts fell through. However, recent developments indicate potential takeover talks involving the companies may have completely flipped. In...
2026-10-08
The recent Kalshi deal with tribal gaming operator partnerships has expanded to include four additional Native American tribes, highlighting a growing split across Indian country regarding prediction markets. The Kletsel...
2026-10-07
Las Vegas tourism registered a decline in August despite hotel room prices dropping to their lowest levels of the year. According to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors...
2026-10-06
Optimism regarding a Las Vegas NBA expansion franchise has reached an all time high, but rising valuations are sparking questions about financial viability. Reports indicate that the league is nearing...
2026-10-05
The premium hospitality lineup for the upcoming Caesars F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix has been officially unveiled across eight property resorts. Caesars Entertainment has announced its comprehensive schedule of race...
2026-10-02
Massachusetts sportsbooks are facing new regulatory scrutiny over how they utilize artificial intelligence to target bettors with promotional offers. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced an inquiry into licensed operators following...
