The Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion (C-SEP) says gamblers in Japan placed about JPY6.45 trillion (US$45 billion) on offshore sports betting sites in 2024.
According to The Mainichi, this includes JPY1 trillion (US$6.94 billion) on domestic sports.
An estimated JPY528 billion (US$3.68 billion) was spent on pro baseball. JPY333.4 billion (US$2.32 billion) on soccer and JPY87 billion (US$606 million) on basketball.
The global betting market on Japanese sports, both online and offline, is stated at JPY4.9 trillion (US$34.18 billion). These estimates come from data provided by international internet service providers and data firms.
Millions of Japanese gamble at online casinos despite the ban
In March, the National Police Agency said that 3.37 million people in Japan gamble at online casinos. They spend about JPY1.24 trillion (US$8.4 billion) each year.
Some professional baseball players from teams like the Orix Buffaloes and the Yomiuri Giants face legal action for gambling at online casinos.
Nippon Professional Baseball has fined sixteen people from eight teams a total of JPY10.2 million (US$75,175).
Japan may allow new casinos despite the ban on online gambling
A land-based casino in Osaka is under development. Betting on horse racing is allowed, but online gambling is illegal. It can lead to fines of up to JPY500,000 (US$3,282) and prison sentences of up to three years.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications says the government wants to set up a forum to discuss the issue.
The government may open new applications for integrated resort licenses. This could revive the original plan to approve three developments. Reports say two more permits could be granted by the end of 2027.
In March, Wakayama governor Shuhei Kishimoto said the prefecture would consider bidding to host an integrated resort with a casino if Japan opens a new round of applications.