Gambling & Lotteries in Japan

Why does Japan have exactly four public racing systems—horse racing, Keirin, Boat Race and Auto Race? The answer lies in their separate histories, postwar policy roles and government oversight.

Gambling is generally prohibited in Japan, yet horse racing, Keirin, Boat Race and official lotteries are legal. The reason lies in Japan’s system of narrow statutory exceptions.

Gambling is generally prohibited in Japan, yet horse racing, Keirin, Boat Race, lotteries, pachinko and sports lotteries all exist under different legal systems. Here is how the system actually works.