This Smells Like Hypocrisy

[Mauser]

To me, this seems hypocritical. You claim that gambling is illegal, but you may bet on horse racing, Pachinko, bicycle racing, boat racing, and Mahjong, which baffles me. I do not seem to understand. Why is that so? You claim it is unlawful, yet wagering on games that are overseen by the government is not unlawful. Is this not hypocritical? What does the government fear?

Yes it's crazy that Japan has a ban on gambling and at the same time in all the major cities you have a huge gambling culture with the famous Pachinko slot machines. I am not really sure why Japan has that strict laws on gambling, they seem to have come in 1907 which is more than 100 years ago. To me the laws seem outdated and today it's clear that many people would like to gamble more freely. I was two times in Japan already and every time I visited a Pachinko it was packed with people. Like in any society there is some people who enjoy gambling, in Japan they have a restricted chance to gamble only for goodies and not money itself. This seems like a unnecessary step as there are still ways to exploit the system and the government is fully aware of it. It seems that the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan tries for more than 20 years to change the laws and allow big casinos to be opened up. Japan is a fast growing population with a lot of old people around, they are selling more diapers for old people than for babies. Maybe the government is afraid that older people would punish them if they legalise gambling again, or maybe the Japanese people got so used to the limited form of gambling they have that they don't want it to change anymore.  

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[ethereumhunter]

Actually, that can happen because in this case, the government makes policies or regulations regarding gambling. Of course, the government can determine which ones are included in gambling and which ones will not be included in gambling. So it's not surprising if it happened in Japan because maybe the Japanese government has some considerations as to why it's not against the law. Maybe this is because the government oversees the gambling game or maybe it's because this type of game has been around for a long time and has a huge fan base, including high-ranking officials from that government.

[EarnOnVictor]

I always say that some governments are confused, and since it's human beings that lead, there will certainly be some human errors based on the psychology/disposition of the rulers. Just like you engage your friend in some arguments at times and some are so dumb to the extent that you will be blaming yourself why you are even arguing with such an unwise and unconstructive person. Such could be liken to rulers at times because such like that friend are opportune to rule.

There is no justification for banning gambling while you can still gamble somehow.

[flipme]

Gambling in Japan is not black and white. In fact, gambling is considered a criminal offence and is generally banned across the country.

Those that are found gambling can face large fines and even serve jail time.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. Betting on horse racing and the lottery are two forms of gambling that are accepted in Japan.

To me, this seems hypocritical. You claim that gambling is illegal, but you may bet on horse racing, Pachinko, bicycle racing, boat racing, and Mahjong, which baffles me. I do not seem to understand. Why is that so? You claim it is unlawful, yet wagering on games that are overseen by the government is not unlawful. Is this not hypocritical? What does the government fear?

https://gamblingnewsmagazine.com/gambling-in-japan/

Seems like hypocrisy to me too. I don't understand why the Japanese government did this. Maybe they wanted to prevent practices that undermine tax revenues. Maybe they wanted to keep some traditional practices alive. Maybe they wanted to block the illegal income of the underground mafia. However, no matter what, I think they have acted hypocritically with this law in the end. I don't want a total ban on gambling, but I would consider it fairer to see it banned completely than to see what Japan is doing. At the very least, I think this is more principled behavior.

[joniboini]

There is an in-depth explanation of this, for example, you can look at this article[1]. It is more recent and explains some terms that are being used to define gambling, explains why some commonly known gambling behavior is allowed, etc. The penal code and IR law, at least according to their interpretation are still in line with each other, if I understood it correctly. Especially since most allowed/exceptions are about
amusement activities. CMIIW.

At the end of the day, I'm not really surprised by how interpretative the law is. I'm not sure this is not the only one, and most countries that don't have rigidly defined law codes will probably do the same. Almost every country will say that doing something that they don't know is unlawful anyway, so no surprise there. I believe profit is what matters here, hence why there is a law regarding IR.

[1] https://thelawreviews.co.uk/title/the-gambling-law-review/japan

[Zlantann]

Actually, that can happen because in this case, the government makes policies or regulations regarding gambling. Of course, the government can determine which ones are included in gambling and which ones will not be included in gambling. So it's not surprising if it happened in Japan because maybe the Japanese government has some considerations as to why it's not against the law. Maybe this is because the government oversees the gambling game or maybe it's because this type of game has been around for a long time and has a huge fan base, including high-ranking officials from that government.

I accept your view. Gambling is strictly regulated in Japan and the government wants to ensure that the country is not flooded with many gambling platforms which would increase the rate of addiction. The gambling age in Japan is twenty and all casinos must be duly registered and certified by the government. This stance also has a cultural undertone.  The Japanese always have a way of promoting their culture and values because they don't want to be influenced by external forces. That is why they would only want to permit only gambling that Is not totally in conflict with their cultural beliefs. But I am sure most gambling populations would have known some loopholes in this gambling legislation, which might grant them access to other gambling platforms.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

Snip

It's just like most countries that have placed a ban on crypto because they find it difficult to make it centralized in order to generate revenue through taxation and license gratification. As new governments keep emerging, that is also how they have their own perspectives on things. Years ago, Japan was not doing any form of gambling at all, but as the law got adjusted between 2016 and 2018, it was then allowed for horse racing and others with a license to operate on land. If weed was once illegal because it caused some people mental issues due to addiction, gambling is less harmful compared to it. IMO, the Japanese government should just readjust the law. Why do they mandate that all gambling activity must take place on land? Because at present, online gambling activity is seriously frowned upon. Mean while, online casinos and gambling are the best and most convenient, unless you're someone that doesn't have a device like a phone or computer and only needs to visit the casino hall or someone that just wants to catch more fun with a lot of gamblers cheering 📣📣 in the casino house or gambling hall.

[alastantiger]

On 27 July 2018, the Japanese Diet passed the Act for Development of Specified Complex Tourist Facilities Areas (the Act), which legalises gambling to be operated by licensed private entities in certain designated locations within Japan. The passage of the Act has garnered strong interest domestically and internationally, as it allows the licensed private entities to operate a 'Complex Tourist Facilities Area', more commonly referred to as an 'Integrated Resort' (IR), which by definition under the Act shall include a casino (Article 2 of the Act). As described more in Section II, although the Japanese Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1907) generally prohibits any form of gambling, which to date has only been allowed in connection with public sports and lottery, the Act explicitly legalises gambling in a certain designated area by excluding the application of the Penal Code.

Source:
https://www.imgl.org/sites/default/files/media/member_pdfs/japanese_casino_law_enacted_with_its_full_english_translation_.pdf
https://thelawreviews.co.uk/title/the-gambling-law-review/japan

[Maslate]

Gambling is only deemed illegal if it's against your religion, and of course if you follow that teaching. Like in Muslim countries, gambling is illegal because it's a sin. However, in some countries, they don't totally ban gambling but they characterize it as legal and illegal gambling.

In our country, there are illegal cock fighting, and there are legal as well, so bottom line, I think the government are just trying to minimize gambling so that people will not be addicted that could ruin their life, and also in order for them to gain from taxes. Howevr, no country that would heavily rely on gambling to collect taxes if in return it will destroy the lives of the people due to "irresponsible gambling".

[Hispo]

I believe it is about culture.
In Japan people tend to push themselves to satisfy the standards of success that exist in that country, there are people who could feel dishonored or even get rejected by their families because their habits.

The government of Japan probably believes that allowing the widespread opening of casinos may impact negatively their society by introducing a lot of people to gambling addiction, I am not sure if they are right or not, though. At least, they could do the same as USA and have a dedicated city/region where gambling is legal, I am sure it would attract a considerable amount of tourists.

[aioc]

Gambling in Japan is not black and white. In fact, gambling is considered a criminal offence and is generally banned across the country.

Those that are found gambling can face large fines and even serve jail time.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. Betting on horse racing and the lottery are two forms of gambling that are accepted in Japan.

To me, this seems hypocritical. You claim that gambling is illegal, but you may bet on horse racing, Pachinko, bicycle racing, boat racing, and Mahjong, which baffles me. I do not seem to understand. Why is that so? You claim it is unlawful, yet wagering on games that are overseen by the government is not unlawful. Is this not hypocritical? What does the government fear?

https://gamblingnewsmagazine.com/gambling-in-japan/

I don't think its hypocrisy, it's their culture, their country, and their laws, what we think is legal in one's country could be illegal in another, it may look like hypocrisy but the way they gamble has something to do with their culture, all these gambling forms are legal in their country because they deemed it not to be so and they don't want a gambling version of the western so they decline casinos even if their government will make money from this business, they already have a lot of business and they do not want something that they think will corrupt their people.

[BitcoinPanther]

I don't know why but many people love to gamble in Asia, it seems to be part of their culture, maybe because religions are not the same as the in the rest of the world which is mostly christian and muslim, and part of their natural personality. But unfortunately gambling can lead to disaster for families. AFAIK Japan is facing hard difficulties with its families because people are getting older and don't make enough children, that's why I understand they want to monitor closely their families and take care of them.

Gambling isn't only spread out in Asia, gambling is everywhere and people from all walks of life in any part of the world can love gambling.  One best example is the Las Vegas, if Americans doesn't love gambling then we wouldn't be seeing casinos everywhere in Las Vegas.

Every pachinko parlor has its own machines set out how it likes, but most of them are conformed to the industry standard. Apparently, this standard is programmed to give roku wari gaeshi, ie a 60% return rate.

Now, in Las Vegas, most of the slot machines have more than a 90% return rate, so by comparing the two, you can see how your odds of winning are much worse playing pachinko.

The RTP of their legal games is just crazy : 60% it would be called a scam or a rigged game in most of countries.

That is too huge of a difference.  Aren't players questioning why the RTP in Pachinco is very low?  Knowing that the Pachinko owner is milking the player through high  house edge, I would definitely avoid playing on that machine even thought that is the only machine available.

[Plaguedeath]

I think such kind problem doesn't only happen on gambling, double standard isn't new anymore.

There are many countries ban of marijuana or other narcotics because it's addictive and if someone abuse the normal usage, it will become addictive and will kill him. However those narcotics are really useful for medical purpose as long as the dose is right. However cigarette and alcohol doesn't get banned, while many people die because of a lot consumption of those stuffs.

[dothebeats]

On 27 July 2018, the Japanese Diet passed the Act for Development of Specified Complex Tourist Facilities Areas (the Act), which legalises gambling to be operated by licensed private entities in certain designated locations within Japan. The passage of the Act has garnered strong interest domestically and internationally, as it allows the licensed private entities to operate a 'Complex Tourist Facilities Area', more commonly referred to as an 'Integrated Resort' (IR), which by definition under the Act shall include a casino (Article 2 of the Act). As described more in Section II, although the Japanese Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1907) generally prohibits any form of gambling, which to date has only been allowed in connection with public sports and lottery, the Act explicitly legalises gambling in a certain designated area by excluding the application of the Penal Code.

Source:
https://www.imgl.org/sites/default/files/media/member_pdfs/japanese_casino_law_enacted_with_its_full_english_translation_.pdf
https://thelawreviews.co.uk/title/the-gambling-law-review/japan

I think this is better than not having any designated places to gamble at all. IIRC, there are several underground criminal organizations that are responsible for running illegal gambling places in Japan because the government itself does not allow gambling in general to partake in a lot of places. I think establishing a certain area that is exempted to this particular law, the Japanese gov't is also establishing some form of avenue for gamblers to go all out and get their gambling fill. At the least, those from faraway places will think twice if they want to really gamble because they need to travel before they are allowed by law to gamble.

[mvdheuvel1983]

The assumption that banning gambling in Japan is because the government wants to curtail addiction is just preposterous. Japan is already battling with gambling addiction at their own type of allowed gambling game- pachinko which is in my opinion worse than slot games.

One thing the government must know is that gambling addiction doesn't care about the type of game but is purely biological. That is, dopamine release for the reward center of the brain.

[Jody.Drummer]

I think such kind problem doesn't only happen on gambling, double standard isn't new anymore.

There are many countries ban of marijuana or other narcotics because it's addictive and if someone abuse the normal usage, it will become addictive and will kill him. However those narcotics are really useful for medical purpose as long as the dose is right. However cigarette and alcohol doesn't get banned, while many people die because of a lot consumption of those stuffs.

You are right that the standard of determining what is legal and what is legal is taboo again for now. There are so many two different regulations in the same field, in the end this is like an article that will be debated by some people because it raises pros and cons among the community.
Hypocrisy, yes maybe this is hypocrisy, and I think now life revolves around that. In the end we just do what we want to do, and try our best not to go as far as to break something that gets out of control.

[OgNasty]

Gambling in Japan is not black and white. In fact, gambling is considered a criminal offence and is generally banned across the country.

Those that are found gambling can face large fines and even serve jail time.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. Betting on horse racing and the lottery are two forms of gambling that are accepted in Japan.

To me, this seems hypocritical. You claim that gambling is illegal, but you may bet on horse racing, Pachinko, bicycle racing, boat racing, and Mahjong, which baffles me. I do not seem to understand. Why is that so? You claim it is unlawful, yet wagering on games that are overseen by the government is not unlawful. Is this not hypocritical? What does the government fear?

https://gamblingnewsmagazine.com/gambling-in-japan/

I don’t know enough about Japanese culture to give a good answer to your questions, but Japan is interesting and unique with how they deal with money. Their saver culture is basically the opposite of what we have in America, and I could see how gambling runs contrary to that saving culture. I’m sure someday gambling rights will win out globally, as it’s a more and more accepted pastime. Only a matter of time.

[o48o]

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To me, this seems hypocritical. You claim that gambling is illegal, but you may bet on horse racing, Pachinko, bicycle racing, boat racing, and Mahjong, which baffles me. I do not seem to understand. Why is that so? You claim it is unlawful, yet wagering on games that are overseen by the government is not unlawful. Is this not hypocritical? What does the government fear?
-cut-

Yeah, i don't get that either. "Generally banned" seems like they have laws from the past that haven't yet been upgraded to this age. A
My guess is that after they got rid of power that yakuza and other had over the country, and there are just some criminal punks left, they fear that anything that as even a slight change to lead to higher crime rates or give back the power to criminals could be a big red flag to them.

And how about those casinos? They are not Legal in Japan but it seems to be totally ok to play them online. Otherwise they would be banned by online casinos, which they are not.

Japan was confusing place already. This isn't really adding much confusion to all the craziness in there.

[BitcoinGirl.Club]

To me, this seems hypocritical. You claim that gambling is illegal, but you may bet on horse racing, Pachinko, bicycle racing, boat racing, and Mahjong, which baffles me. I do not seem to understand. Why is that so? You claim it is unlawful, yet wagering on games that are overseen by the government is not unlawful. Is this not hypocritical? What does the government fear?

It's beyond the understanding of what the fear but it's hypocrisy. I think people who bet on horse racing or greyhound are the actual gamblers. They don't do it for fun but to make money. May be these are the sports they watch and do more than the regular sports like Football, Rugby, Boxing, Tennis etc.  

but Japan is interesting and unique with how they deal with money. Their saver culture is basically the opposite of what we have in America, and I could see how gambling runs contrary to that saving culture.

Add China, Korea. They all have very different culture, economical view and perhaps political view hen the West. China is obviously above them all. They don't even want to merry someone who is not from their race LOL (No offense Japanese, Chines and Koreans 😉 )

[rahmad2nd]

Seems like hypocrisy to me too. I don't understand why the Japanese government did this. Maybe they wanted to prevent practices that undermine tax revenues. Maybe they wanted to keep some traditional practices alive. Maybe they wanted to block the illegal income of the underground mafia. However, no matter what, I think they have acted hypocritically with this law in the end. I don't want a total ban on gambling, but I would consider it fairer to see it banned completely than to see what Japan is doing. At the very least, I think this is more principled behavior.

Every country has laws and regulations according to its jurisdiction, and Japan is no exception. the country is very famous for its high discipline, and obedience to its government. regarding the problem of gambling, at least they have decided which one is good for the people as regulated by the laws in force in that country. I think they as a country understand it better, we are not the ones who have to determine or force policies to be revised regarding gambling.

I can't claim unilaterally, that they look hypocritical. but I'm sure, gradually these policies will soon be revised especially when involving places for gambling tourism for tourists visiting Japan. even if that doesn't happen. at least, in the current era of technological development, Japanese people who like gambling can enjoy betting from online casinos, or using PVN if it turns out that Japan has blocked access to online casinos. at least, the gamblers there have other solutions and options related to gambling.