Japanese authorities are stepping up their campaign against illegal crypto gambling among local players, especially those registered in offshore-licensed casinos.
The local police reported this according to several sources local players arrested from offshore casinos using a crypto tracking tool. The Asahi Shimbun and Nikkei report that authorities have referred 10 people in Chiba Prefecture and Tokyo to prosecutors on charges of gambling at offshore casinos.
Police have identified about 130 players nationwide who will be investigated.
This is the first time Japanese authorities have used a crypto tracking tool in their anti-online gambling activities. Although Japan allows regulated gambling, unauthorized gambling, especially in unlicensed offshore casinos, is strictly prohibited.
Japan is trying a crypto tracking tool for the first time
The local police now actively use one cryptocurrency tracking tool to find locals who regularly play at offshore casinos. On November 26, the security division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department referred ten local residents to the prosecutor’s office for investigation.
Sportsbet.io is among sites reportedly used by individuals referred to the prosecutor’s office. Image grab from Sportsbet.io.
Since the start of police operations, authorities have already referred 57 players, and are still investigating about 130 players.
These arrests come as many local residents struggle under the pressure of a declining economy. Police have tracked dozens of players from 24 prefectures, jailing many of them for voluntarily using their money on their favorite casino games.
The police report identified popular offshore casinos such as BitCasino, Sportsbet.io and Vera & John as the popular gambling sites frequented by the players.
As of today, the market cap of cryptocurrencies reached $3.25 trillion. Chart: TradingView
Japanese players have been betting crypto on popular slots and table games
According to reports, the players used cryptocurrencies to place bets on slot machines and popular table games. Police added that all players had admitted to the illegal activity. All three locations can be easily accessed from Japan via players’ mobile phones and PCs.
Image: casinoonlinebeton.com
The ages of the players range from 20 to 60 years, and the list includes a civil servant, company employees and even a housewife.
Police also reported that all players lost money in these popular offshore casinos. One player reportedly lost 30 million yen or $194,000.
Public questions about the authorities’ crackdown on gambling
The Japanese police’s campaign against illegal gambling has generated mixed reactions from the general public. As some elderly people in the country struggle to make ends meet, many are wondering whether the recent crackdown on casino players is worth it.
Featured image of Cult MTL, chart from TradingView