Japanese law severely restricts the local gambling market. The player must consider these restrictions if he plans to play online or live. Land-based casinos mostly allow sports betting and lotteries. The activities of online sites are not subject to such strict control. As a result, users can find many offshore sites for launching Japanese-themed slot machines. Below we will talk about the most famous Japanese slots and other games straight from Japan.
Japanese Gambling Law
The Japanese gambling market has been relatively limited at all times. The first law on gambling entertainment for real money in the country was adopted back in 1907. Most of its provisions are still in effect today. The Japanese gambling law is considered one of the oldest in the world. The initial version of the law determined the permitted list of games in which it was possible to play casino – these are bets on horse races and bicycles. Later, the government added motorboats and motorcycles to the list. Sports betting can be done at オンラインカジノ (meaning: online casino) and some land-based establishments. Lotteries are also allowed in Japan. The National Japanese Lottery was established in 1630. The government banned this type of activity in 1842, but in 1945 it was decided to resume. Taxes from casino win replenished the local budget.
The Gambling Law was updated on July 27, 2018. In Japan, gambling is legalized in certain places.
There are several casino features:
- The gambling zone should not occupy more than 3% of the total area of the facility;
- The casino receives a license for only three years. After the expiration of its validity, re-certification is carried out;
- Visitors will be charged an entrance fee of 6,000 yen. The local government receives half of this money. The remaining funds are transferred to the National Government;
- Gambling in Japan can only be carried out by licensed government organizations.
Features of Japanese Slots
Gambling is popular in Asian countries and has a unique cultural place. Currently, 5 to 25% of all games in online casinos are made in the Asian theme. Such slots do not have complicated rules. The gambler does not need any experience to run these entertainments.
Asian-themed games aren’t just for Japanese people. Gamblers from Western countries also like to play such slots in demo mode or for real money. Such games have an unusual design.
The features of the slots include a set of special symbols:
- Chinese coin. In Asian countries, this image is viewed as a symbol of good luck. Chinese coins are found in slots from most manufacturers.
- A number that is believed to be able to bring good luck and wealth. Slot examples are 88 Fortunes and 88 Coins.
- The Dragon. A frequent guest of Asian slots. Another symbol of good luck. Often used as a special card – scatter or wild.
- The animal acts as a symbol of knowledge, prosperity, and longevity.
- Another common symbol in Japanese devices. It represents purity, sincerity, and elegance.
Japanese slots have found their popularity among gamblers due to their unusual design. Like all similar games, they have several advantages:
- Possibility of playing casino for real money. Casino customers can win large sums in slots even without specific skills. Much here depends on luck. Gamers try to choose strategies for slots, but only a tiny part of the final result depends on them. Before playing for real money, Japanese slots can be tested in demo mode. The player can get acquainted with the functions and possibilities of the slot without hazard.
- Free spins. Most slot machines have built-in bonuses. Most often, these are free spins. They are issued for falling on the field from three or more scatters. The client can win additional money without spending funds from the balance.
- Mobile game. A gambler can play Japanese slots not only from a laptop, but also from a smartphone. Most modern games run directly through the browser without downloading additional software to the device.
The Top 5 Popular Japanese-Themed Slots
Interestingly, slots with Asian design are mainly released by developers from Europe and America. But this does not prevent the games from keeping the classic theme. There are symbols associated with Asian culture on the field, and pleasant music sounds in the background. We followed casino tips and compiled a list of 5 popular Japanese-themed games for you.
Note of Death
- Developer: Shock
- Release date: 2020
- Genre: Vampires
- Minimum bet: 0.1
- Maximum bet: 200
- Maximum payout: 1000000
- Number of drums: 5
- Number of rows: 3
- Number of lines: 10
- RTP (%): 95
- Volatility: medium
- Platforms: PC, Smartphones
The game was created based on the manga by Tsugumi Oba and the anime of the same name. Heroes known to fans meet on the slot field. Payouts are credited when collected on a winning line in a row of 3 identical symbols. The most expensive combination counts. The lowest-paying symbols in the slot are card symbols. You can get up to 3000 coins for them. For collecting 5 images of the boss on the field, the casino client receives a prize of 10,000 game coins. Wild and scatter are special symbols in the game. The first one replaces others on the field and participates in the prize combinations. You can receive 3 free spins for scatters. The slot has a maximum of 10 free spins. If the scatters repeatedly appear during the bonus round, the number of available spins will increase.
Moon Princess
- Developer: Play’n Go
- Release date: 2017
- Genre: Magic
- Minimum bet: 0.2
- Maximum bet: 100
- Maximum payout: 500000
- Number of drums: 5
- Number of rows: 5
- Number of lines: 0
- RTP (%): 96.00
- Volatility: High
- Platforms: PC, Smartphones
The slot is dedicated to three princesses. The slot features three princesses. It has an unusual field, and there are no paylines. It attracts players with non-standard bonuses and the possibility of a big win. A prize combination on the field is any combination of three or more identical symbols collected in a row vertically or horizontally. The winning combination disappears from the field after being collected. All icons are moved to free positions. So the gambler can collect additional winnings without spins.
The slot has two options for the bonus game. The first option is to fill in a unique scale by collecting prize combinations. After that, the client receives a free spin, during which additional bonuses are activated. Also, the player can get from 4 to 8 free spins when only wilds remain on the field.
Sakura Fortune
- Developer: Quickspin
- Release date: 2017
- Genre: Asia
- Minimum bet: 0.20
- Maximum bet: 100
- Maximum payout: 400000
- Number of drums: 5
- Number of rows: 4
- Number of lines: 40
- RTP (%): 96.58
- Volatility: High
- Platforms: PC, Smartphones
The machine is filled with original functions, and a sakura tree blossoms in the background. The device has a classic structure. There are five reels here, and the symbols line up in 4 rows. Prizes are calculated on 40 lines. The client cannot change the paylines. It is fixed. Plus machine – you can run it even with a limited budget. Spins become available already from 0.2 casino credits per spin.
Unlike other machines, low-paying symbols in the slot are represented not by card suits but by four types of Chinese coins. Highly paid symbols include a jade figurine of a lion, a statue of a dragon, and portraits of members of the royal family. All payout calculations are carried out from the right, and left reel. You must collect at least 3 identical symbols to get a prize in a row.
The Eastern Princess in the slot performs two functions at once – it is both a scatter and a wild. The picture can only appear on the second, third, and fourth reels during the regular spin round. The image of a full-length princess on two reels gives the client two respins.
Asian Beauty
- Developer: Microgaming
- Release date: 2011
- Genre: Asia
- Minimum bet: 0.3
- Maximum bet: 150
- Maximum payout: 55000
- Number of drums: 5
- Number of rows: 3
- Number of lines: 243
- RTP (%): 96.4
- Volatility: medium
- Coin value: 0.01-0.5
- Linear bet in coins: 1-10
- Platforms: PC
A classic structure characterizes the machine. Here the symbols appear on 5 reels and fall out in 3 rows. The total number of possible prize combinations is 243 pieces. The machine will appeal to gamblers with different budgets. You can bet here from 0.3 coins per spin. The maximum bet size is limited to 100 coins in the casino currency. The machine does not provide a risk round. There is no jackpot. You can launch the slot for free and without registration for internal coins to try out casino life hacks. If the money on balance has run out, it is enough to refresh the page with the game.
In the machine, the client is given free spins for collecting a combination of scatters. For five cards on the field in any position, you can get up to 25 free spins. Also, 5 scatters to activate the x100 multiplier to win.
Dragons Lucky 8
- Developer: Wazdan
- Release date: 2019
- Genre: Fruit, Asia
- Minimum bet: 20
- Maximum bet: 100
- Maximum payout: 250000
- Number of reels: 6
- Number of rows: 3
- Number of lines: 20
- RTP (%): 96.6
- Volatility: medium
- Coin value: 1-5
- Platforms: PC, Smartphones
The machine is made in a fruit theme with Asian elements. The total number of prize lines is 20 pieces. The client cannot choose the number of lanes. The indicator is fixed. Only the most significant win from the collected combinations is paid on the active line. The calculation is carried out exclusively from left to right.
The wild symbol takes the place of other symbols on the reels, except the scatter. Customers get free spins with the scatter symbol. Scatters need to be collected on the field in 3 to 6 pieces. The user can set up an automatic play. Losing a certain number of coins will cause the spins to be stopped.
Pachinko
Pachinko is a traditional Japanese game of gambling. Since classic land-based casinos are not allowed in Japan, the locals have come up with their entertainment for betting. Over time, street entertainment was embodied in online games. A separate category of slots has appeared – Pachislots.
The first Pachinko machines were invented in 1920. At that time, it was exclusively children’s entertainment. Wall games from Europe inspired the creators. The game is named after the sound metal balls make when they hit the walls.
10 years later, adults noticed this machine. The device has been modified. The nails inside began to be arranged in a complex pattern. As a result, the machine is no longer accessible to children. The first Pachinko slot machines were installed in a commercial salon after World War II. Now such entertainment can be found on the business streets and shopping centers in Japan.
How to Play Pachinko
The machine is like a pinball machine. The moving handle launches metal balls on the field. The player’s goal is to hit the balls into the pockets as they move on the field. If the ball reaches a specific pocket, a trigger will activate, and a predetermined sequence of events will begin.
How to play a game:
- Activate the machine with cash.
- Click on the “Activate” button.
- Turn the lever to launch the metal balls.
- Wait for the balls to fall down the field, and take your winnings.
A melody will play if the balls land in the same numbers. 10 extra balls will be given to the gamer. He will be able to run them on the field for free.
Conclusion
The gaming industry in Japan exists with strict restrictions. Land-based casinos are prohibited here, and only certain types of gambling can be carried out in permitted establishments. Save the day for online casinos. The government cannot track such sites, so gambling is open to everyone. Gamblers can find entertainment to their taste. Many developers produce Asian-themed slot machines. An entertaining plot and a pleasant bonus system are often what characterizes such games.