Sports betting has always been a popular pastime throughout the world, but thanks to online sports books, more people are having a flutter than ever before. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the most popular sports in Japan and where Japanese players can place a bet on their favorite event. 

First things first, you’re going to need to find a real money casino that features a sportsbook; you can check out Japan’s Casino Pilot page for some great options. It’s a good idea to sign up to more than one platform so that you can compare odds, and so that you have access to a wider range of events. The sign-up procedure should be fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that you will need to verify your identity. Prior to signing up to any online site, even ones recommended by a review site, make sure the site is fully licensed and regulated by an official government regulator, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission.

Gamblers in Japan are officially only allowed to place bets on racing events, such as horse racing, bicycle races, motorcycle racing, and motorboat racing. However, thanks to international online casinos, Japanese players have been able to enjoy a much wider range of sports betting opportunities. 

Baseball

One of the most popular sports in Japan is baseball. The game was introduced in Japan in 1872 and it took oof like wildfire. Baseball is played at all levels, from little league to the Olympic games. Baseball is as popular in Japan as it is the U.S.A. and, therefore, Japan are America’s biggest rivals on an international level. Placing a bet on a game of baseball makes the whole event more exciting, and there are many different ways to place those bets thanks to online sportsbooks. 

Football

Another of Japan’s favorite sports is football (or soccer). Both the men’s and women’s football teams made it into the round of 16 in their respective World Cup tournaments. Football, like baseball, was introduced in Japan at the turn of the last century. It has since grown in popularity to be considered Japan’s second most popular sport (after baseball). Football, of course, offers a multitude of betting opportunities throughout the year.

Sumo Wrestling 

Sumo wrestling is considered to be the national sport of Japan. It’s third on our list simply because it’s not as widely practiced as baseball and football. However, it is an extremely popular spectator sport and an extremely popular sport to bet on. There are six prestigious Sumo tournaments per year in Japan, and each one lasts 15 days. During the tournaments it is possible to place bets on any number of matches. You can also place a bet on whoever you think will win the tournament. There are quite a few Japan-facing real money casinos that offer betting opportunities for Sumo tournaments, but Sumo betting is not as widely available as other, more international, sports.