Japanese authorities are strengthening their campaign against illegal cryptocurrency gambling among local gamblers, especially those registered in licensed offshore casinos.
According to multiple sources, local police local players were arrested foreign casinos using a cryptocurrency tracker. The Asahi Shimbun and Nikkei report that authorities have referred 10 people from Chiba Prefecture and Tokyo to prosecutors over allegations of gambling in foreign casinos.
Police have identified around 130 players across the country who will be questioned.
For the first time, Japanese authorities have used a cryptocurrency tracker in their crackdown on online gambling. Although Japan allows regulated gambling, unauthorized gambling, especially in unlicensed offshore casinos, is strictly prohibited.
Japan is trying out a cryptocurrency ‘tracker’ for the first time
The local police are currently actively using, among others: cryptocurrency tracking tool to find locals who regularly gamble at overseas casinos. On November 26, the Security Department of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department referred 10 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 beginning of the police operation, the authorities have already commissioned 57 players and are considering about 130 more.
These arrests come at a time when many residents are struggling under the pressure of a sinking economy. Police tracked down dozens of gamblers from 24 prefectures, and many of them were imprisoned for willingly using money on their favorite casino games.
The police report identified popular offshore casinos such as BitCasino, Sportsbet.io and Vera & John as popular betting sites frequented by punters.
As of today, the market cap of cryptocurrencies reached $3.25 trillion. Chart: TradingView
Japanese players bet on cryptocurrencies on popular slot machines and table games
Players reportedly used cryptocurrencies to place bets on slot machines and popular table games. Police added that all players admitted to illegal activities. All three sites are easily accessible from Japan via players’ mobile phones and personal computers.
Image: casinoonlinebeton.com
The age of the players ranges from 20 to 60 years venerable, and the list includes a government official, company employees and even a housewife.
Police also reported that all players lost money in these popular overseas casinos. One player reportedly lost 30 million yen, or $194,000.
Public questions about authorities’ crackdown on gambling
Japan’s police campaign against illegal gambling has sparked mixed public reactions. As some elderly people in the country struggle to make ends meet, many people are wondering whether it is worth using the latest attacks on casino players.
Featured image from Cult MTL, chart from TradingView
