Despite most forms of online gambling being illegal in Japan, many residents use offshore sites to place sports bets and play casino games. A new report from the Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion (C-SEP) estimates that about US$45bn went towards these platforms from Japan last year.
The figures in the report came after discussions with offshore consultants and large internet service providers. Baseball betting in particular accounted for about US$3.7bn of the total, with soccer next popular at around US$2.3bn.
coming to light that many baseball players use illegal gambling sites
It’s not just the general public that’s engaging in offshore sports betting. Athletes have gotten into trouble recently, with it coming to light that many Japan-based baseball players use illegal gambling sites. Prosecutors are currently investigating Yomiuri Giants and Orix Buffaloes players for allegedly using online casinos, with Nippon Professional Baseball already issuing fines to 16 people across eight teams for this type of behavior.
While some people say that Japan should legalize sports betting and reap the benefits of the resulting tax revenue, this is unlikely. Following the release of the report, Yomiuri Giants owner and C-SEP council member Toshikazu Yamaguchi sathe report that nobody in professional baseball wants to legalize the activity.
