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Japan investigates 6 comedians for illegal gambling
According to the japantimes, six comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo, one of Japan’s biggest entertainment agencies, are under investigation for gambling on foreign online casinos.
The comedians are suspected to have accessed online casino sites, such as Sportsbet.io, between January 2023 and December 2024. They are accused of playing blackjack and baccarat on their smartphones during work trips or in between performances.
Some of the comedians said they were drawn to online gambling after watching related YouTube videos, but they didn’t fully realize the legal implications. A few had borrowed money from friends and Yoshimoto Kogyo to continue gambling, with one comedian even spending ¥51 million on these sites.
The investigation began earlier this year following an anonymous tip-off. Yoshimoto Kogyo later confirmed that some of its entertainers were interviewed by authorities and temporarily suspended from their activities.
Online casinos are illegal in Japan, and the issue has become a growing concern in the country. Earlier, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications considered blocking illegal iGaming websites in response to the growing threats by the industry.
The National Police Agency estimates that almost 3.37 million people in Japan have engaged with online casinos, contributing to an annual betting total of about ¥1.2 trillion.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in Japan?
Gambling is generally illegal in Japan, with exceptions for public sports betting (horse racing and bicycle racing) and lotteries.
What is the legal gambling age in Japan?
The legal gambling age in Japan is 20.
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