Reiwa Roman’s Kuruma Takahira Apologizes as Online Casino Scandal Unfolds

Entertainers who bring in their friends are highly malicious

As Kuruma mentioned, many people initially perceive online casinos as a gray area. A national newspaper social affairs reporter explains:

“Part of the reason celebrities’ names were reported this time was to raise awareness among people who have little sense of guilt about it. The police often use the notoriety of famous individuals for this purpose.”

There is a possibility that more celebrity names will emerge in the coming days. Within media circles, a partial notorious celebrity list of individuals who habitually play at major online casinos has already been circulating.

“The list includes a lead actor with a reputation for gossip (A), a former idol group member (B), members of a large, popular group favored by women, and a straightforward 40-something actress (C). These individuals are also believed to be under police scrutiny,” says a sports newspaper reporter.

However, merely playing at an online casino is unlikely to result in immediate prosecution. Authorities are more focused on identifying and dismantling the bosses behind these operations rather than going after individual users. The aforementioned national newspaper reporter elaborates:

“Recently, there have been multiple crackdowns on underground recruitment groups, which are linked to Tokuryu (anonymous and fluid criminal groups). It is believed that semi-gang organizations controlling Tokuryu are also behind online casinos. In fact, a person frequently promoting online casinos last year was later named in Tokuryu investigations.”

Furthermore, celebrities who actively collaborated with the casino operators to lure customers into gambling addiction are considered highly malicious and may face legal action.

The scandal has already caused tangible damage. Reiwa Roman’s scheduled program for February 15 has been replaced with another show. The extent of online casino involvement in the entertainment industry remains uncertain, and TV networks are on high alert, fearing last-minute programming changes due to unexpected revelations.