Japan’s National Police Agency proposes 30% pachinko machine fee cut
Regulation1 min read
Japan’s National Police Agency has proposed reducing standard approval fees for pachinko and pachislot machines by about 30%, with revised rates due to take effect on 1 April 2027 if approved. The certification fee for an already type-tested model would fall from JPY4,340 to JPY3,030, while testing requirements would remain unchanged.
Japan’s National Police Agency has proposed reducing standard approval fees for pachinko and pachislot machines by around 30%.
Certification of a machine whose model has already undergone type testing would cost JPY3,030 under the proposal, down from the current JPY4,340. For additional machines of the same model, the proposed per-machine fee would fall from JPY40 to JPY30. For applications to change, replace or add unapproved machines of a previously type-tested model, the fee would fall from JPY5,200 plus JPY40 per machine to JPY3,900 plus JPY30 per machine.
The agency said it proposed the reduction after analysing on-site inspections used to check that machines meet required specifications. It expects changes to the inspection process to reduce labour and operating costs. The reductions would affect only the administrative cost of getting machines approved; machines would still need the usual testing and certification process. Machine payouts, chances of winning and playing costs would remain unchanged.
Local public safety commissions in the prefectures collect the fees under Japan’s Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business. Each prefecture sets its charges by ordinance, using the national standard amounts as a starting point. The standard amounts typically undergo review every 3 years.