Above-mentioned Japanese Individual Apprehended in Landmark Unlawful Online Betting Incident of Extensive Scale
The Story Behind a Potential 5-Year Prison Sentence in Tokyo
A 38-year-old Tokyo local is facing a potential 5-year prison term following accusations of online gambling, which is forbidden in Japan. Over a span of almost three years, this individual is believed to have gambled roughly $625,500, primarily on baccarat, on the global gaming platform, Stake.
Makoto Chomabayashi is also suspected of serving as a "casino affiliate," promoting Stake to earn a 2% slice of his followers' wagers. An estimated 100 individuals were allegedly referred to the online casino, generating close to $48,000 in commissions for Chomabayashi. Despite acknowledging the illegality of online gambling in Japan, police claim he believed he'd evade detection. Chomabayashi, known on X (formerly Twitter) under the alias "Meikyoshisui," would frequently post his winnings.
However, investigators suspect that Chomabayashi's wagers may total a staggering $194 million, which could make him linked to the most significant sum ever associated with a single individual in an illegal gambling case in Japan.
Gambling in Modern-Day Japan
While mainstream gambling options such as horse racing and lotteries are allowed in Japan, online casinos remain prohibited. The 2018 Integrated Resort (IR) Act legalized land-based casinos under stringent regulations, yet net gaming remains off-limits. Nevertheless, a National Police Agency survey suggests that about 3.37 million individuals in Japan engage in online gambling annually, placing bets worth around $8 billion each year.
In response to this, the Japanese government has been focusing on combating illegal online gambling. Recent efforts involve stricter regulations for affiliate marketers and third-party payment processors, with the introduction of legislation that aims to prohibit online casino creation and advertising.
Of particular concern are the involvement of athletes and celebrities in online gambling, as revealed by recent incidents. To address these concerns, the government is emphasizing public awareness of the risks associated with illegal online gambling.
Of Note- Japan's gambling laws restrict various activities, only allowing lotteries and betting on specific public races[1][5].- The House of Representatives has passed a bill to reinforce online casino operation and advertisement restrictions[1][2][5].- This legislation aims to suppress the creation and promotion of online casinos and requires social media platforms to remove related content[1][5].- The bill is expected to be enacted before the current parliamentary session ends on June 22, 2025[1][5].- Strict penalties for offenders exist, including fines of up to ¥500,000, and habitual gamblers may face imprisonment for up to three years[1][3].
- Advocates argue that the 5-year prison sentence for the Tokyo local, accused of online gambling, underscores the stringent laws against such activities in Japan.
- The rise of online casino personalities, like Makoto Chomabayashi, who promoted global platforms like Stake, has become a focus of concern for the Japanese government due to the potential involvement of athletes and celebrities.
- In light of the alleged $194 million in wagers by Chomabayashi, the case may set a precedent in Japan for the most significant sum ever associated with a single individual in an illegal gambling case.
- The Japanese government is battling against illegal online gambling, emphasizing public awareness and implementing stricter regulations for affiliate marketers and third-party payment processors, aiming to suppress the creation and promotion of online casinos.
- The future of online gambling in Japan remains uncertain, with the House of Representatives having passed a bill to reinforce restrictions on online casino operation and advertisement, potentially including the removal of related content from social media platforms.
