Online Casino Reported on M-1 Champion…Experts Point Out “Possibility of Illegality for Commercial Performers, Too”

The number of people caught gambling at online casinos tripled from the previous year.

Even the “M-1 Champion” has been involved in online casinos. ……

The Mainichi Shimbun reported on the evening of February 14 that the Security Division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has been questioning nearly 10 members of the Yoshimoto Kogyo entertainment industry, who have been suspended on suspicion of gambling at online casinos.

Among those named are “Reiwa Roman” Kuruma Takahira, the two-time consecutive “M-1” champion, and Kazunobu Kubota of the popular comedy duo Toro Salmon.

Kuruma and the other celebrities have largely admitted their involvement, but Kubota has denied it.

Reiwa Roman, in particular, has won two consecutive championships, an unprecedented feat, and he has been a regular guest on TV,” said Kubota. He has also appeared in several commercials for Softbank, Tokyo Gas, and other companies, and his office is busy dealing with the situation. If the commercials are terminated due to his illegal activities, he may incur huge penalties,” said a TV station official.

According to the National Police Agency, a total of 279 domestic users and operators (provisional figures) were caught last year, a threefold increase over the previous year. Naturally, gambling at overseas online casinos in Japan is also considered a gambling offense. Many Japanese-language sites are available, and many people play online casinos under the mistaken impression that it is a “gray game,” but it is a clear crime.

One of the reasons why people think it is a “gray game” is because they use celebrities in their advertisements. Even now, a former Japanese national soccer team player is used in advertisements, and a popular comedian duo appeared in a program sponsored by a casino operator. The site advertises free trial play, but it is easy to switch to the paid version. Moreover, the sites are colorful and pop, and many of them are designed to make you feel like you are playing a game. There is a danger that you may become addicted to gambling without realizing it and end up in debt,” said a reporter for a national newspaper.

Advertisers Can Also Be Charged with Aiding and Abetting Gambling Crimes

Attorney Kenta Morizane of Morizane Law Office warns not only players but also celebrities who are “billboards” for online casinos.

If you use an online casino, you can be charged with gambling (a fine of up to 500,000 yen or a fine), and if you are found to be a habitual gambler, you can be charged with habitual gambling (a sentence of up to three years in prison). In addition, if the person acts as a “billboard” to attract customers, he/she may be charged with aiding and abetting a gambling offense. Aiding and abetting offenders will be punished with a reduced sentence.

There have always been many “gambling fanatic” comedians, but the hurdle for them to get involved in illegal gambling was high. Recently, however, online casinos can be easily accessed using smartphones, making it easier for people to get involved in illegal activities.

The more successful a celebrity becomes, the more responsibility he or she has. It’s no use having regrets. ……