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Japanese Culture and Gambling – Why Is It So Popular in Japan?

Japan is considered the mother of modern gambling although the authorities have banned gambling for years. The Japanese have a strong passion and attraction to gambling games like Pachinko, a slot game that has always been allowed. Today, such online casinos as https://luckychika.jp are on the rise of popularity.
If you are wondering what influenced the Japanese interest in the gambling industry and what was the beginning of such a culture, read below!
History of the Gambling Industry in Japan
According to history, Japan has always been distinguished by its prudence in setting the framework for gambling. Back in ancient Japan, when the laws were especially strict, the authorities made a curious exception for prohibited entertainment. This affected the gambling games popular in those days – Shogi and Go. They became the pioneers of modern gambling and people still play in them.
The first gambling was recorded in the 7th century when Emperor Temmu played in Sugoroku. By the end of the 8th century, gambling had become incredibly popular, despite many bans. Betting on horse racing has been a very popular industry.
The Most Popular Games among Japanese
Despite many bans, Japan’s gambling culture has evolved slowly, but surely. The Japanese have three favourite and popular games that everyone loves.
Pachinko
The pachinko machine is a wooden panel with a large number of pins and a device for launching metal balls that are driven around the panel. To play pachinko, no special skill is required, so it can be easily played even by those who have entered the game room for the first time. The player buys balls or tokens and plays. If the player wins the bonus, he is given additional balls. The goal of this gambling game is to win as many balls or tokens as possible.
However it could be dangerously addictive to play pachinko. Read here a story about pachinko addiction https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13796207
Sports Betting
The betting industry has many fans and it is approved by the government to place bets. Thus, betting on horse racing (Keiba) has always been popular in Japan. Japanese Racing Association holds horse betting competitions every week. Other popular sports events are boat racing (Kyotei), bicycle racing (Keirin), and auto racing.
Takarakuji
It is a lottery game that is also allowed and can be easily found anywhere in Japan. There are three types of Takarakuji: regular lottery, lottery with multiple numbers, and Jumbo Takarakuji.
Nowadays. Online Gambling
Today, the gambling industry is developing very actively, especially online gaming. This was influenced by many factors, for example, quarantine, bans, or a simple desire to play right from home.
You can play your favourite gambling games free, as well as for real money – https://luckychika.jp/real-money-casinos/. Play the best games selected by real gambling experts now!
Conclusion
As you can see, gambling is an integral part of Japanese culture. The people attraction for this industry has been built for centuries, which continues today.
Clarion gaming
âThe voice of Spainâs gaming community will be at the very heart of ICE Barcelona 2026â states Clarion Gamingâs Ewa Bakun

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ICE Barcelona has demonstrated its commitment to the Spanish industry following a highly successful engagement program at the Expo Congreso de Juego Luis Escribano in Torremolinos.
Recognised for being one of the most established and respected gatherings in the Spanish gaming calendar, the event provided a powerful platform for the ICE team to connect with industry leaders, regional representatives, and national stakeholders, as momentum builds towards the second edition of ICE Barcelona taking place January 2026.
The ICE Barcelona delegation engaged with more than a dozen of Spainâs most influential trade associations, including AsociaciĂłn de Operadores de Juego de la Comunidad de Madrid, AsociaciĂłn de Operadores de Asturias, Asaebin AndalucĂa, Ageo Galicia, Andemar Comunidad Valenciana, Anesar, Aemexa Extremadura, Club de Convergentes, CEJUEGO, Femara and Aspromares to share the exciting development plans for Januaryâs event.
Reviewing the programme of meetings Ewa Bakun, Director of Industry Insight and Engagement at Clarion Gaming said: âOur aim in Torremolinos was clear: to listen, to connect, and to demonstrate our commitment to the Spanish industry. The conversations that we had were without exception forward-looking and constructive focussing on how we can work hand in hand with associations to shape and deliver a Spain-focused agenda at ICE 2026.â
She added: âTopics ranged from regional market opportunities to association-led content creation, as well as new ways to maximise knowledge sharing, showcase innovation, and elevate Spainâs presence on the global gaming stage.â
âA central pillar of our discussions was the La Plaza âa dedicated hub on the ICE show floor. More than simply a meeting point, La Plaza will host an industry-led programme co-curated with the Spanish associations, featuring bespoke content sessions, networking events, and collaborative initiatives that put the voice of Spainâs gaming community at the very heart of ICE Barcelona.
âWe warmly invite all associations, including those we could not meet in person at the Expo Congreso, to join us on the journey to Barcelona and play a central role in shaping ICE 2026. The response from delegates to both the debut of ICE Barcelona in 2025 and the 2026 roadmap was overwhelmingly positive.
âAttendees expressed strong enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase Spainâs strength and dynamism on a global stage, while also embracing the chance to contribute to the broader strategic conversations impacting the future of the industry.â
The post âThe voice of Spainâs gaming community will be at the very heart of ICE Barcelona 2026â states Clarion Gamingâs Ewa Bakun appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Former Playtech Director of Internal Audit & Risk Joins eGaming Integrity

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eGaming Integrity is delighted to announce the appointment of Robert Penfold as Head of Internal Audit, further strengthening the firmâs ability to support Isle of Man licence holders in responding to increasing regulatory scrutiny and upholding the islandâs reputation for integrity.
Robert brings with him more than two decades of high-level experience in governance, risk, audit, and compliance across global gaming and financial services organisations. Most notably, Robert spent over eight years as Director of Internal Audit & Risk at Playtech plc, the worldâs largest online gaming software and services supplier listed on the London Stock Exchange. In this role, he was a member of Playtechâs Audit, Risk and Governance Committees, overseeing global audit programmes and supporting the business in meeting complex regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Robert has also held senior positions at bwin.party digital entertainment plc, where he led global risk management across regulated markets including Spain, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, France, and Gibraltar. More recently, he was engaged as Governance, Risk & Compliance Manager at the Isle of Man Governmentâs Attorney General Chambers, where he implemented new risk frameworks and data governance processes across multiple divisions.
Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, commented: âThis is a landmark appointment for us. Robertâs depth of experience, particularly his years at the helm of audit and risk at Playtech, represents a real step change for eGaming Integrity and our clients. His appointment evidences our commitment to providing heavyweight, board-level expertise to Isle of Man licence holders at a time when regulatory scrutiny has never been higher.â
Robert Penfold added: âIâm thrilled to be joining eGaming Integrity at such a pivotal time for the sector. Iâve spent much of my career working to ensure organisations not only meet regulatory requirements but build strong, resilient frameworks that protect their businesses and customers. I look forward to working with Emma and the team to help our clients strengthen their compliance and governance cultures.â
Robertâs appointment adds further depth to eGaming Integrityâs team of industry experts and former regulators, reinforcing its position as the Isle of Manâs leading provider of mock audits, remediation, and internal audit services for the islandâs eGaming licence holders.
The post Former Playtech Director of Internal Audit & Risk Joins eGaming Integrity appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Anastasia Rimskaya Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix
Aviatrix live with Wildz following Wildz Group integration

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Innovative crash game Aviatrix has integrated with leading operator Wildz Group, in a partnership that sees it launch with flagship casino Wildz and a selection of other, high-performing brands.
The launch is made possible via a Relax Gaming integration, giving Wildz Group players access to Aviatrixâs award-winning gameplay. In addition to Wildz, the title is now available at Spinz, Caxino, Tuplaus, Chipz and Wheelz.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: âWildz Group has built an outstanding reputation for delivering player-first entertainment, and weâre delighted that Aviatrix is joining that journey. Weâre certain Aviatrixâs unique take on the crash genre will engage the full Wildz Group network, and weâd like to thank Relax Gaming for a swift and seamless integration.â
Jani Koskinen, Chief Marketing Officer at Wildz Group, said: âWeâre always looking to add content that brings something new to our players, and Aviatrix fits the bill perfectly. Its blend of innovation and engagement is a great match for our casinos, and weâre excited to roll it out across our portfolio following a successful launch at Wildz.â
Since its debut a little over two years ago, Aviatrix has rapidly grown in popularity, thanks to a relentless focus on innovation and a commitment to keeping gameplay exciting for an expanding global audience.
The post Aviatrix live with Wildz following Wildz Group integration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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