Japanese Comedians Could Face Criminal Charges for Gambling

Comedians part of the Japanese entertainment conglomerate founded more than 100 years ago, Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings, are subject to scrutiny after allegedly gambling online via overseas operators. Only recently, papers were sent to public prosecutors for six popular comedians over their suspected involvement in gambling.

Six Comedians Face Scrutiny over Suspected Online Gambling

As announced by the local media outlet, Jiji Press, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department sent public prosecutors’ letters over six comedians part of Yoshimoto Kogyo. By submitting the papers to the prosecutors, law enforcement is requesting for indictments against the suspects.

All six comedians are suspected of gambling online between January 2023 and December 2024. They allegedly used the services of multiple online gambling outlets overseas, including platforms that offer casino-style games, such as Sportsbet.io.

The announcement comes after late last month, Japan confirmed the launch of a new plan to combat illegal online gambling. The far-reaching campaign seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of gambling, reinforce the regulations that prohibit the advertising of online gambling and prevent consumers from accessing such offshore gambling websites.

Social Media Promotes Online Gambling

Reportedly, the six suspects engaged in online gambling activities such as blackjack and baccarat. The comedians are suspected of participating in such gambling games via their smartphone devices while waiting at theaters or traveling across the country for work.

According to the newly released report citing unnamed investigative sources, some of the suspects have already admitted to participating in online gambling. Allegedly, some of the suspects claimed they are addicted to gambling and even borrowed money for such activities from Yoshimoto Kogyo, as well as friends.

One suspect, addicted to gambling, allegedly deposited ¥51 million or a sum of nearly $350,000 with online gambling operators. In another case, suspects claimed that they decided to give online gambling a try after seeing gameplay videos on social media.

Still, most admitted that they were not aware that gambling online via offshore operators is recognized as a crime. While gambling is seen as a criminal activity, it continues to grow in popularity and some people fall victim to problem gambling.