News

Hokkaido changes its mind: can the casino project be revived?

1 Oct 2025

Hokkaido could soon play a central role in the expansion of casino resorts (or Integrated Resorts, IR) in Japan. After declining a bid in 2019 on environmental grounds, the local government is now reassessing its position.

Sensation

Pachinko, Japan’s most popular gambling game

Alex

22 Aug 2025

In Japan, pachinko is not just a game: it is a cultural, economic and social phenomenon. With its sparkling machines, complex mechanisms and vague legislation, let’s dive into the heart of this unique pastime, which has been a part of the lives of millions of Japanese people for nearly a century.

Games

Stake: a Japanese affiliate locked up

Caroline

7 Jun 2025

On 30 May 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested Makoto Chomabayashi, a 38-year-old man from Iwaki in Fukushima prefecture. He is suspected of betting around 28 billion yen (around €172 million) on the online gambling site Stake between August 2022 and April 2024. The authorities claim that he mainly played baccarat. Chomabayashi has admitted the facts.

Sensation

Online casinos: end of the grey zone in Japan

Caroline

20 May 2025

Japan is about to take a decisive step in its fight against illegal online casinos. Eight political parties, including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito and the Constitutional Democratic Party, have agreed to submit a bill to ban the operation and promotion of these platforms.

Legislation

Japan declares war on illegal online casinos

Caroline

29 Mar 2025

Japan has stepped up its fight against illegal online casinos with strict new measures aimed at limiting access to these unauthorised platforms. The government has stepped up controls on online payments, advertising, and affiliates of offshore gambling sites, while running awareness campaigns to inform the public of the risks associated with these practices.

Legislation

Japan says stop to illegal online casinos

Caroline

8 Mar 2025

The rise of illegal gambling in Japan has authorities considering strict measures, such as blocking online casino sites.

Legislation

Sega Sammy Receives Preliminary Approval for GAN Acquisition in Nevada

Ron

24 Sep 2024

Sega Sammy has received preliminary approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) for its acquisition of GAN Limited. The deal, worth around $107.6 million, was announced in December of last year.

Economy