Overview
Top Sites
Popular Games
Betting Apps
JPY Deposit Options
Japan eSport Laws
Watch eSport
Major Events 2024
There are many esports betting sties that accept Japanese customers, with these websites generally based in offshore locations. The best Japanese esports betting sites cater extensively to the Yen currency, have appropriate deposit options and also offer some outstanding bonus offers and promotions to their customers. The top JP betting sites are also accessible via several different means, including via desktop computer, mobile websites and even betting apps, with Android and iOS the most common in this part of the world.
The top Japanese esports betting sites for September, 2024:
Best esports betting sites for Japan
#1
GGBet Bonus Code ESL |
eSports Specialist GG BetGet €5 freebet! 
|
Join GGBet Now GG Bet Review |
| 18+ Gamble responsibly. Min deposit after code activation for freebet is €10. 1x turnover requirement. 14 days expiry. Max funds transferred to real balance is €5. | ||
#2
|
Fast Payouts BetOnline50% matched deposit up to USD $5,000
|
Visit BetOnline BetOnline Review |
#3
|
#1 Sports, eSport, & Casino Betting Betway€30 Welcome Free Bet
|
Visit Betway Betway Review |
| New UK & Ireland customers only. Min Deposit: ￡10. First deposit matched up to ￡30. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. T&Cs Apply | ||
#4
|
Best Sports Betting Odds 888 Sportsbook€30 free bet
|
Visit 888 Sports 888 Sportsbook Review |
| Minimum deposit of €10 using deposit code 30F - A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least €10 placed on any sports market - Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) - Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days - Free bet stakes not included in returns - Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days ? To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager bonus amount x40 within 14 days ? Wagering req. vary by game ? Withdrawal restrictions apply. Full Terms & Conditions Apply. | ||
#5
|
Discover more ways to play William HillDeposit ￡10, get ￡30 free
|
Visit William Hill William Hill Review |
| Full terms | ||
#6
|
All about the odds! BetssonDeposit €75, bet with €150
|
Visit Betsson Betsson Review |
#7
|
By Players, For Players UniBetGet your money back up to €25
|
Join Unibet UniBet Review |
| New customers only. 18+. Located in UK. Min bet 2/5 or more. Each leg of multi must be over 2/5 for bet to qualify. 3x wagering requirement before withdrawing. | ||
#8
Bet365 Signup Code GETON |
Never Ordinary Bet365Never Ordinary
|
Visit Bet365 Bet365 Review |
| GETON is not a bonus code and does not grant access to additional offers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. New customers only. #ad Full T's and C's. |
Japanese esports news
Esports in Japan 2024
Esports has been growing in popularity in Japan over the past few years, and it has become a recognised sport in the country. In 2018, the Japanese government officially acknowledged esports as a legitimate sport, and this has helped to increase the visibility and acceptance of esports in Japan.
There are a number of esports organizations and events in Japan, including the Japan Esports Union (JeSU), which was established in 2018 to promote and regulate esports in the country. JeSU works to establish standards for esports competitions and player contracts, as well as promoting esports as a legitimate career option for young people.
Some of the popular esports games in Japan include League of Legends, Overwatch, and Street Fighter, among others. Esports tournaments and events are regularly held in Japan, attracting both local and international players and fans.
Esports has also been incorporated into mainstream media in Japan, with television networks and streaming platforms broadcasting esports competitions and events. This has helped to further increase the visibility and popularity of esports in Japan, and it is expected that the industry will continue to grow in the country in the coming years.
Best esports betting sites in Japan
There are many different esports betting sites that accept players from Japan, with these ranging from brands licensed in Malta, right through to bookies based in places like Curacao. The one certainty in Japan is that there will not be any legal local esports betting sites, with no licenses issued for online gambling in this part of the world.
The best JP esports betting sites will feature wagering on all of the major esports games, including popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Overwatch and Fortnite. Basically, any games that you find at online betting sites globally, you can wager on from Japan with no region specific restrictions or laws that impact what is accessible.
Recommended!
eSports Specialist
Get €5 freebet!
18+ Gamble responsibly. Min deposit after code activation for freebet is €10. 1x turnover requirement. 14 days expiry. Max funds transferred to real balance is €5.
Fast Payouts
50% matched deposit up to USD $5,000
#1 Sports, eSport, & Casino Betting
€30 Welcome Free Bet
New UK & Ireland customers only. Min Deposit: ￡10. First deposit matched up to ￡30. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. T&Cs Apply
Best Sports Betting Odds
€30 free bet
Minimum deposit of €10 using deposit code 30F - A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least €10 placed on any sports market - Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) - Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days - Free bet stakes not included in returns - Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days ? To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager bonus amount x40 within 14 days ? Wagering req. vary by game ? Withdrawal restrictions apply. Full Terms & Conditions Apply.
Discover more ways to play
Deposit ￡10, get ￡30 free
Online betting sites in Japan generally have a mobile website, that allows you to use all of their wares. Easily the most common way to access esports betting sites is via mobile, with betting apps very common. As a general rule esports betting sites will have an Android app in Japan, although it’s rare that you will find them in the Apple app store, because of local laws and their strict compliance with them.
Payment options at esports betting sites in Japan are plentiful and diverse and cater to many common banking methods. These range from everything from credit and debit cards, right through to web wallets and even cryptocurrencies. Cashing out your betting account can be done via many different method as well, including bank transfer, check and even cryptocurrencies.
Top 10 esports betting sites list
Some of the top Japanese esports betting sites include:
- Betway.com: One of the top esports betting sites in Japan, Betway.com caters specifically to the Yen currency and has a good reputation for having plenty of markets, promotions and suitable payment types. Betway.com also has outstanding betting apps, for both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Betway review.
- William Hill: One of the most popular esports bookies worldwide, William Hill has a strong presence in Japan. The Japanese William Hill website caters specifically to the Yen currency, has betting apps available for major smartphones and also features wagering on all the major pro video game events and tournaments. William Hill review.
- GG.Bet: While not as well know as the other esports betting sites mentioned here, GG.Bet really is a great option for wagering. Featuring live streaming, great promotions and mobile accessibility, GGbet services all of Japan and is definitely in our top couple of esports bookmakers servicing this part of the world. GG.Bet review.
Popular esports games with betting available
There are many different esports games that feature betting at the top esports betting sites with these ranging from first person shooters to fantasy games to sports. Some of the most popular esports games in Japan include Dota 2, League of Legends, Call of Duty and CS:GO, although ultimately there is a huge player base right across the spectrum in tis part of the world.
Some of of the most popular esports games people bet on in Japan include:
- Apex Legends
- Call of Duty (COD)
- Call of Duty World League
- Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- Dota 2
- FIFA eSports Leagues
- Fortnite: Battle Royale
- Forza
- H1Z1
- Halo
- Gears of War
- Hearthstone
- Heroes of the Storm
- League of Legends
- NBA 2K
- Overwatch
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
- PUBG Mobile
- Halo
- Smite
- Honor of Kings
- StarCraft II (SC2 or SC II)
- Valorant
- World of Warcraft
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Rocket League
- World Of Tanks
- Mobile esports betting
Top Japanese betting apps
You can download the best betting apps in the UK via these links:
| Android | iOS | Mobile Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | Download | Download | Visit |
| William Hill | Download | Download | Visit |
| Betway | Download | Download | Visit |
| GG.Bet | Download | Download | Visit |
There are many different esports betting apps Japanese punters can use to wager on their favourites games, with these generally for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
As a general rule, esports betting apps are more common on Android devices, largely because the conditions on downloading and installing ups are less stringent than the Apple alternative.
To begin downloading an Android betting app in Japan you will need to turn on non-market apps, which is a common thing that users of these types of smartphones does.
JPY deposit options at online betting sites
Japan punters have got many different deposit options that they can use when they are betting online. These include all of your common payment types like credit and debit cards, web wallets and even cryptocurrencies. Ultimately what JPY bookie deposit options are available will be determined by each individual operator. Keep in mind that when you are sending money, you are sending it overseas so you should always do your homework on esports betting sites.
Some of the most common Yen deposit options at esports betting sites include:
Japanese eSports betting laws
Esports betting is not yet legal in Japan. However, there have been discussions about potentially legalising it in the future.
In 2018, the Japanese government officially recognised esports as a legitimate sport, and there has been a growing interest in esports among Japanese fans. However, the legal framework for esports betting has not yet been established.
It’s worth noting that gambling laws in Japan are quite strict, with only certain forms of gambling such as horse racing, boat racing, and lottery games being legal. It remains to be seen whether esports betting will be added to this list in the future.
ESB will update this page when there are significant updates regarding the legalisation of esports betting in Japan.
How to watch esports in Japan
Recommended!
eSports Specialist
Get €5 freebet!
18+ Gamble responsibly. Min deposit after code activation for freebet is €10. 1x turnover requirement. 14 days expiry. Max funds transferred to real balance is €5.
Fast Payouts
50% matched deposit up to USD $5,000
#1 Sports, eSport, & Casino Betting
€30 Welcome Free Bet
New UK & Ireland customers only. Min Deposit: ￡10. First deposit matched up to ￡30. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. T&Cs Apply
Best Sports Betting Odds
€30 free bet
Minimum deposit of €10 using deposit code 30F - A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least €10 placed on any sports market - Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) - Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days - Free bet stakes not included in returns - Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days ? To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager bonus amount x40 within 14 days ? Wagering req. vary by game ? Withdrawal restrictions apply. Full Terms & Conditions Apply.
Discover more ways to play
Deposit ￡10, get ￡30 free
Japanese viewers, like most of the world, have got access to a lot of free esports content on platforms like Twitch and Youtube. This means you can watch the best players in the world, on various games, live in your basement, while you can also bet before and during these matches.
The www.century21cardinal.com has done various guides on how to live stream esports games in Japan:
- How to watch PUBG
- How to watch Call of Duty
- How to watch Halo
- How to watch Dota 2
- How to watch CS:GO
- How to watch Rocket League
- How to watch League of Legends
- How to watch Overwatch
- How to watch Fortnite
Major esports events in Japan 2024
| Event | eSport | Date | End Date | Prizemoney | Venue | Online/Offline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGL Arlington Major | Dota 2 | August 4 | $500,000 USD | Arlington, Texas | Offline | |
| Blast Premier Spring Groups | CSGO | 1/28/2023 | 2/6/2023 | $177,498 | - | Online |
| The International | Dota 2 | 10/8/2022 | 10/30/2022 | $1,600,000 | Singapore Indoor Stadium | Offline |
| Six Invitational | Rainbow 6 | 2/7/2023 | 2/19/2023 | $3,000,000 | Place Bell Arena | Offline |
| IEM Cologne Major | CSGO | July 5 | $500,000 | Lanxess-Arena, Cologne, Germany | Offline | |
| RLCS Winter Split Major | Rocket League | 4/6/2023 | 4/9/2023 | $310,000 | San Diego Convention Center, USA | Offline |
| OWL Midseason Madness | Overwatch | July 18, 2022 | $1 million | - | Online | |
| IEM Spring | CSGO | 4/17/2023 | 4/23/2023 | USD $250,000 | Jeunesse Arena, Rio de Janeiro | Offline |
| CDL Major 4 Playoffs | Call of Duty | July 21, 2022 | $500,000 | Esports Stadium, Arlington | Offline | |
| BLAST Premier Spring Showdown | CSGO | 3/29/2023 | 4/2/2023 | $135,000 | - | Online |
| Blast Premier Fall Showdown | CSGO | 10/21/2022 | $135,000 | - | Online | |
| BLAST.tv Paris Major | CSGO | 5/8/2023 | 5/21/2023 | $1,250,000 | Accor Arena, Paris | Offline |
| LOL Worlds 2022 | League of Legends | 9/29/2022 | 11/5/2022 | $2.25m | Multiple | Offline |
| Blast Major Copenhagen | Rainbow 6 | 4/24/2023 | 5/7/2023 | $750,000 | Forum Copenhagen | Offline |
| BLAST Premier: Falls Groups 2022 | CSGO | 8/19/2022 | 8/29/2022 | $177,498 | Royal Arena, Copenhagen | Offline |
| DreamHack DreamLeague | Dota 2 | 4/9/2023 | 4/23/2023 | $1000,000 | - | Online |
| IEM Major Rio 2022 | CSGO | 10/31/2022 | 11/13/2022 | $1,000,000 | Juenesse Arena, Rio de Janeiro | Offline |
| IEM Summer | CSGO | 5/29/2023 | 6/4/2023 | $250,000 | Kay Bailey Convention Center, Texas, USA | Offline |
| Six Berlin Major | Rainbow 6 | 8/15/2022 | 8/21/2022 | $500,000 | Theater am Potsdamer Platz, Berlin | Offline |
| ESL One Major Berlin | Dota 2 | 4/26/2023 | 5/7/2023 | $500,000 | Velorom, Berlin, Germany | Offline |
| Valorant Champions Tour 2022 | Valorant | 2/11/2022 | 9/19/2022 | $5m+ | Multiple | Both |
| BLAST Premier Spring Final | CSGO | 6/7/2023 | 6/19/2023 | $425,000 | Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington DC, USA | Offline |
| BLAST Premier: Fall Finals | CSGO | 8/23/2022 | 8/27/2022 | $425,000 | Copenhagen | Offline |
| VCT Masters Tokyo | Valorant | 6/11/2023 | 6/26/2023 | $1,000,000 | TIPSTAR DOME/Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Tokyo | Offline |
| Twitch Rivals: Zero Build World Invitational | Fortnite | 10/7/2022 | 10/9/2022 | $200,000 | San Diego Convention Centre | Offline |
| Bali Major | Dota 2 | 6/29/2023 | 7/9/2023 | $500,000 | Ayana Estate, Bali | offline |
| BLAST Premier World Final | CSGO | 12/14/2022 | 9/18/2022 | $1,000,000 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Offline |
| PUBG Global Series Phase 2 | PUBG | 8/10/2023 | 8/20/2023 | $2,000,000 | Riyadh | Offline |
| PUBG Global Championships | PUBG | 11/1/2022 | 10/20/2022 | $2m + | Dubai Exhibition Centre | Offline |
| Riyadh Masters | Dota 2 | 7/17/2023 | 7/30/2023 | $15,000,000 | Riyadh | Offline |
| Six J?nk?ping Major | Rainbow 6 | 11/21/2022 | 10/27/2022 | $500,000 | Elmia Congress Center, J?nk?ping | Offline |
| Gamers8 Fortnite | Fortnite | 7/6/2023 | 7/9/2023 | $2,000,000 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Offline |
| RLCS Fall Split Major | Rocket League | 12/8/2022 | 12/12/2022 | $310,000 | Rotterdam Ahoy | Offline |
| FIFAe Nations Cup | FIFA | 7/11/2023 | 7/14/2023 | $500,000 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Offline |
| Honor or Kings International Championship | Honor of Kings | 11/22/2022 | 12/30/2022 | $10,000,000 | Shenzhen, China | Both |
| CS:GO Gamer8 | CSGO | 8/14/2023 | 8/20/2023 | $1,000,0000 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Offline |
| VCT Kickoff Tournament | Valorant | 2/14/2023 | 3/5/2023 | TBC | Sao Paolo, Brazil | Offline |
| PUBG Mobile World Invitational | PUBG Mobile | 7/14/2023 | 7/16/2023 | $3,000,000 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | - |
| IEM Katowice CS:GO | CSGO | 1/31/2023 | 2/12/2023 | $1,000,000 | Spodek Arena, Katowice | Offline |
| Valorant Champions: Los Angeles | Valorant | 8/6/2023 | 7/26/2023 | TBA | Kia Forum, Los Angeles | Offline |
| IEM Fall 2023 | CSGO | 10/16/2023 | 8/22/2023 | $250,000 | Aware Super Theatre, Sydney | Offline |
| Roobet Cup | Counter-Strike | 10/25/2023 | 11/2/2023 | $150,000 | - | Online |
| CS2 Asia Championships | CSGO | 11/8/2023 | 11/12/2023 | $500,000 | Perfect World Esports Center, Yuanshen Stadium, Shanghai, China | Offline |
| ESL One Kuala Lumpur | Dota 2 | 12/11/2023 | 12/17/2023 | $1,000,000 | Kuala Lumpur International Exhibition & Trade Center | Offline |
| ESL One Birmingham | Dota 2 | 4/22/2024 | 4/28/2024 | $1,000,000 | Resorts World Arena, Birmingham | Offline |
| Games of the Future | Dota 2 | 2/19/2024 | 2/25/2024 | $1,000,000 | Offline | |
| RLCS Major 1 | Rocket League | 3/28/2024 | 3/31/2024 | $255,000 | K.B Hallen Arena, Copenhagen | Offline |
| VCT Masters Madrids | Valorant | 3/14/2024 | 3/24/2024 | TBC | Madrid Arena, Madrid | Offline |
| HCS Arlington Major | halo | 3/15/2024 | 3/17/2024 | $250,000 | Arlington Convention Centre | Offline |
| R6 BLAST Manchester Major | Rainbow 6 | 5/16/2024 | 3/26/2024 | $750,000 | B.E.C Arena, Manchester | Offline |
| ALGS Split 1 Playoffs | Apex Legends | 5/2/2024 | 5/5/2024 | $1,000,000 | Galen Centre, LA | Offline |
| PGL Wallachia | Dota 2 | 5/10/2024 | 5/19/2024 | $1,000,000 | PGL Studios, Bucharest, Romania | Offline |
| VCT Masters Shanghai | Valorant | 5/23/2024 | 6/9/2024 | $500,000 | Valo Arena, Shanghai | Offline |
| PUBG Global Series Phase 3 | PUBG | 4/20/2024 | 4/26/2024 | $300,000 | Shanghai, China | Offline |
| OWCS Major 1 | Overwatch | 5/31/2024 | 6/2/2024 | TBC | Kay Bailey Convention Centre, Dallas | Offline |
| RLCS Major 2 | Rocket League | 6/20/2024 | 6/23/2024 | USD $255,000 | Copper Box Arena, London | offline |
| Esports World Cup - Apex Legends | Apex Legends | 7/31/2024 | 8/4/2024 | $2million | Riyadh, Saudia Arabia | Offline |
| EWC League of Legends | League of Legends | 7/4/2024 | 7/7/2024 | $1million | Riyadh, Saudia Arabia | Offline |
| EWC Overwatch 2 | Overwatch | 7/24/2024 | 7/28/2024 | $1million | Riyadh, Saudia Arabia | offline |
| PUBG Mobile EWC | PUBG Mobile | 7/19/2024 | 7/28/2024 | $3million | Riyadh, Saudia Arabia | Offline |
| EWC Starcraft II | Starcraft II | 8/14/2024 | 8/18/2024 | $1million | Riyadh, Saudia Arabia | Offline |
| EWC Call of Duty | Call of Duty | 8/15/2024 | 8/18/2024 | $1.8million | Riyadh, Saudia Arabia | Offline |