Illegitimate Casino Raid by Osaka Police, Resulting in Several Arrests
In a thrilling turn of events, the bustling Osaka prefecture is poised to welcome its first-ever integrated resort, marking a fresh chapter for casino gaming in Japan. Yet, it appears some locals can't wait, opting instead for illicit gambling excursions.
As per reports from the Osaka Prefectural Police, they recently busted an underground casino operating in the heart of Osaka. Following a daring raid, they apprehended scores of individuals, with the main focus being on baccarat enthusiasts who relished flouting Japan's stringent gambling laws. These high-stakes gamers were allowed to wager as low as $200, fueling their Adrenaline rush.
Located on the third and fourth floors of a tenant building in Minami, Osaka, this secret gaming den was managed by a slick team of professionals. The premises, ever-ready to entertain customers, boasted a double-door entrance fortified with a security camera that ensured only authorized visitors gained entry.
Catching Criminals, but Losing Potential Targets
On a Saturday, the police nabbed one of the casino's clients under suspicion of illegal gambling. This breakthrough led them directly to the elusive gambling haven. During the raid, they arrested the casino boss, as well as 29 employees and a single customer. However, many elusive customers slipped through the cops' fingers, escaping via a hidden staircase.
Investigations later revealed that the casino's shadowy mastermind was the 41-year-old Hiroki Morichika.
An Increase in Gambling-Related Arrests
Meanwhile, Japanese authorities have been actively clamping down on individuals helping others circumvent local gambling laws. These facilitators, operating in the shadows, have been aiding Japanese citizens in placing bets on unlicensed offshore wagering sites.
Recently, two such intermediaries, Yoshiaki Maeda and Shinya Tokita (both aged 42), were apprehended. These sneaky operators were accused of amassing millions for unregulated online casinos and catering to as many as 42,000 customers.
With illicit gambling activities on the rise, Japan has increased the reward for tips leading to crime investigations, enticing people to report on suspicious activities.
In a positive development, the central government of Japan has given the green light to a revised implementation agreement for Osaka's integrated resort project. If everything proceeds as planned, this monumental resort will house Japan's first-ever legal casino.
[1] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/04/22/national/crime-syndicates-live-betting/
[2] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/05/19/national/crime-syndicates-use-net-app-illegal-online-gambling/
[3] https://gaming.tokyo/news/2021/06/25/japanese-diet-passes-new-bill-combat-illegal-gambling/
[4] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/08/17/national/tokachi-misconduct-allegations-betting/
[5] https://gaming.tokyo/news/2021/02/11/japanese-politicians-push-for-anti-undercutting-online-gambling-provision/
- The underground casino raid by Osaka Prefectural Police uncovered that it was offering casino-games such as baccarat, which is typically illegal in Japan, under the umbrella of general-news-related tenant building.
- In the bustling Osaka prefecture, where the first integrated casino-and-gambling resort is set to open, crime-and-justice officials have accused two individuals of amassing millions for unregulated online casinos, further highlighting the demand for casino games among locals despite Japan's stringent gambling laws.
