Japan dominates popular imagination with its traditionalism and intellectual society. They stand out in various aspects, be it economic, academic, or technological. Today, Japan also draws attention when it comes to the world of betting. Despite having spent years treating this type of practice as prohibited, in recent years they have begun to create some loopholes to attract tourists who enjoy this activity.
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The betting landscape in Japan
As mentioned earlier, in Japan, the gambling culture has been heavily suppressed by the government. However, this has not greatly influenced the general population. Gambling has always been known and practiced there, albeit illegally. The pachinko market, for example, is worth more than 8 trillion yen per year, equivalent to 316 billion reais.
Today, the whole world is facing a new scenario. Online casinos have arrived with full force alongside technological advancements. Before, it was necessary to leave home to place a bet; now you can make a UFC bet, on football, cycling, horse racing, and much more with just one click.
Additionally, casinos are drawing attention. These sports betting platforms have realized the impact they have on society. Aiming to expand their businesses, they have started sponsoring athletes and sports teams. Thus, you can find the face of casinos almost anywhere.
The Japanese paradox: prohibition x gaming culture
Although gambling games were completely banned in the past, games like pachinko found legal loopholes to operate in the country. Pachinko began to gain popularity after Japan's defeat in World War II.
Despite its spatial and economic power having diminished over time, Japan still has about 12,000 pachinko parlors. This shows how ancient this gambling practice is in the country. Furthermore, Japanese people have always placed bets on horse racing.
Over the years, Japan began to notice the prominence of physical and digital betting. The perception of how these practices can boost the economy changed the entire scenario. Betting houses were allowed to operate in the country following specific rules to attract tourists. The important thing is to avoid breaking the law and understand how Japan's gambling law works.
Group betting and "tomonokai" culture
Friend groups (Tomono Kai) in Japan gain significant importance because they have a very strong culture of forming groups. Generally, the so-called tomonokai are groups of friends who each other and encourage common practices. Most of the time, they are associated with cultural promotion projects, but they can encom other things.
Betting platforms can be considered good ways to socialize. This mainly affects young adults due to their greater connectivity. Thus, young people tend to take the tomonokai culture in online sports betting more seriously.
Betting influencers and their impact
Again, technological advancements directly impact the global population. With cell phones, laptops, and tablets in hand, coupled with powerful social networks, the population is becoming increasingly digital. Today, various influencers actively operate on social media.
A report from Goldman Sachs bank estimated that by 2027, the digital influencer market is expected to generate $480 billion, doubling its current size. Companies owning online betting houses are aware of this data and have also been mobilizing to enter this market.
Today there are already various influencers around the world who promote betting platforms. They operate in a wide range of markets, whether in fashion, humor, sports, or any other niche. Without a doubt, there is an influencer for every taste.
Digital marketing of betting houses
As previously mentioned, the number of bettors is only increasing. Along with that, many people receive from these platforms, becoming their so-called ambassadors. They promote it and show their followers how online sports betting works.
This type of scheme is part of an elaborate marketing campaign. The companies that operate online betting houses and casinos maintain very efficient marketing strategies. Thus, there is mass promotion through billboards, advertising, and sponsorships/partnerships. This generates a sense of trust among the public and revenue for them.
Stake.com in the Japanese market
Stake is a very well-known online casino and betting house. It has grown significantly in this market and has been gaining prominence. Currently, Stake casino sponsors various athletes around the world in order to encourage sports and promote sports betting.
A digital casino like Stake attracts a lot of attention in Japan. This happens due to different factors, such as the acceptance of cryptocurrencies and the use of blockchain. These mechanisms ensure greater anonymity and security for s, making them prefer the platform.
Digital sports betting vs. Traditional lotteries
Many times there is doubt whether real and in-person bets, which have always been made in lotteries, will be replaced. The truth is that online betting does bring greater convenience. However, when it comes to generational conflicts, older people tend to prefer to stick to the old method.
In summary, digital sports betting and traditional lotteries focus on distinct audiences. Thus, the trend is that one does not take the place of the other, but rather they continue to operate together. Perhaps, in the future, it may even be possible to find partnerships between the markets.
Sports events that drive the market
Sports events have a significant presence in the market. They mobilize people around the world. No matter the sport, there will always be excited fans to follow any updates. In Japan, sports are considered fundamental to their culture, and there is a strong encouragement for participation.
Sports tournaments in the country generate billions each year. This shows a real impact of sports in Japan. Japan's history regarding its sports investments is recognized worldwide. In the Tokyo Olympics, the country's investments exceeded R$ 150 billion, and it was considered one of the most expensive in history.
Considering the large investment, there is also a large number of athletes. Each year that es, Japan invests more in them, ensuring dignified working conditions and career opportunities.
Considering all the movement that sports generate, whether through government investments or events, it is evident that large markets would become interested. Sports betting is only growing and promises many opportunities for those who bet. It's a promise to change one's life and improve overall conditions.
Technology and innovation
Japan is internationally known for its technological advancements. Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are just a few categories in which the country is a world leader. This connection with cutting-edge technology and high innovation potential makes the country even more inclined to engage in recognized betting platforms, such as Stake.
AI and algorithms in betting
Stake uses advanced technology to keep its platform running. Thus, they rely on a blockchain system that protects your data and your money. Furthermore, they also have machine learning resources for real-time odds. This makes sports betting fairer and more in line with reality.
It's this type of technology that attracts bettors. This happens because the population feels more comfortable and secure when AI is doing most of the work. Technology generally doesn't make mistakes, so if Stake uses it to maintain its site, it must be reliable.
Digital payments and cryptocurrencies
Japan has a strong crypto community and was one of the first countries to recognize cryptocurrency payments as valid. It is believed that Japan has been preparing for a long time to transform its market and economic activities, making everything more in line with cryptocurrencies.
Most sports betting platforms offer payments via cryptocurrencies. Although this is often associated with illegal activities, cryptocurrencies are valid and legal. It is a cryptographic money that can be used digitally. In addition, it is stored with security codes.
Even with some resistance from the Japanese to electronic money, mainly due to traditional and cultural issues, they are still approaching this new economy. Given the increase in demand for cryptocurrencies in Japan, it is to be expected that people will increasingly turn to tools such as casinos that offer payments in crypto assets.
Traditional sports vs. E-sports
There is a growing interest among the Japanese in the so-called e-Sports. Within online sports betting, it is possible to choose the sport that attracts your attention the most. However, many people felt out of place in this environment because they do not follow athletes or enjoy traditional sports.
With this, the need arose to include a new category that encomes these people. It was in this context that betting on e-Sports emerged. Those digital sports based on games are called that. Thus, if you like LOL, Valorant, CoD, among others, you can already bet on matches of them.
There are many gaming competitions around the world. In Japan, they have significant relevance and attract large audiences. Therefore, investing in e-Sports betting is a great idea.
Profile of the Japanese bettor
When looking to learn more about gamblers in Japan, it is possible to notice an evident pattern. Understanding these patterns is very important and useful. Generally, public policies can only be made if there is sufficient information. Furthermore, it makes it easier to map the safety and privacy of these individuals. Their social context also becomes more evident.
In general, the main players in casinos and sports betting are men between 20 and 30 years old. Although they do not represent 100% of the audience, it is a considerable portion. Being aware of the audience that plays is essential, especially for companies that must adapt to the public. It is also highly relevant for bettors who like to understand the competition's profile.
Risk behavior
After understanding a bit about the audience that plays the most, it is important to be aware of the risk behavior associated with sports betting. In general, platforms like Stake offer resources to practice responsible gaming, as well as an informative manual about it.
Knowing how responsible gaming works is essential to ensure that you can keep yourself under control while betting. More than that, if you have any behaviors that reinforce addiction, you can be aware of the signs and seek the help you need. There are several things you can do to avoid addiction and problems with gaming.
- Monitor your time by betting;
- Set a financial limit for the bets;
- Do not try to play when under the influence of alcohol;
- that betting should be a hobby, not a job.
Trends for the future
The future is knocking at the door, and it is necessary to prepare. To deal with casinos and betting houses in Japan, you must be aware of what happens in this universe. This is because technology is advancing very quickly, and with it, trends change. Betting on e-sports, for example, has been increasingly sought after. The projected values for this type of bet are significant.
Technologies are also getting closer and closer to casinos. Today you can already place a sports bet during the match or round while following everything in real-time within the platform itself. Some are even trying to implement a virtual reality (VR) system on their platforms.
