Japan denies reports of eased sports betting restrictions

June 9, 2022 Japan Sports

The Japanese government has denied reports suggesting it may consider easing sports betting restrictions in order to allow betting on a wider variety of sports.

According to a report by The Yomiuri Shimbun this week, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has compiled a draft proposal for allowing betting on sports such as football, basketball and baseball. At present, sports betting is restricted to horse racing, cycling, motorboat racing and motorcycling.

It was also reported that Japan’s Sports Development Council could meet for the first time in five years in July, however Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters that he does not expect any such proposal to be implemented.