On May 8, 2025, the Metropolitan Police Department's Security Division took a significant step in addressing illegal gambling activities by sending documents to prosecutors concerning two professional baseball players from the Yomiuri Giants, Yuto Okoe (27) and Daiki Masuda (31). Both players are under investigation for allegedly engaging in online gambling at overseas casinos, a serious offense that has raised eyebrows in the sports community.
According to sources, Okoe is suspected of having gambled on international online casino sites twice—once in July 2022 and again in May 2023. His teammate Masuda is under scrutiny for accessing these sites between October and November 2024. The players reportedly utilized platforms such as "Wander Casino" and "Konibet," engaging in games like blackjack and baccarat.
Financially, the stakes were high. Okoe reportedly deposited around 7 million yen, which resulted in a staggering loss of approximately 4.5 million yen. Meanwhile, Masuda's gambling activities involved a deposit of about 3 million yen, leading to a loss of around 2.3 million yen. Both players have acknowledged their involvement during voluntary questioning by the authorities.
The incident came to light following a consultation between the Yomiuri Giants and the Metropolitan Police Department, triggered by the players' own admissions. The Giants had previously encouraged all team members to self-report any involvement with online casinos. In a statement issued on the same day, the team refrained from disclosing the identities of the players involved but confirmed that both Okoe and Masuda expressed deep regret for their actions.
Their remorse was evident as they stated, "We wanted to correct our mistakes before the season started," acknowledging that they had engaged with online casinos out of curiosity without fully understanding the legal implications. They have accepted the maximum penalties imposed by the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) organization, which has been cracking down on illegal gambling activities within the sport.
This incident is part of a larger trend within Japanese sports, where illegal online gambling has come under increased scrutiny. The NPB's internal organization announced in March 2025 that 16 players from eight teams had been fined a total of 10.2 million yen for similar offenses. This includes notable figures such as Taiga Yamasaki from the Orix Buffaloes, who was also implicated but later received a non-indictment disposition.
Moreover, the issue of online gambling is not confined to baseball. It has permeated various sectors, including the entertainment industry, where individuals such as comedian Koki Yakuryo have faced questioning regarding their involvement with online casinos. The National Police Agency reported a worrying trend, with 279 individuals arrested for online gambling in the previous year alone, highlighting the growing prevalence of this issue among younger demographics, particularly those in their 20s and 30s.
In light of these developments, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has initiated discussions aimed at revising legal frameworks surrounding online gambling. A panel of experts convened in April 2025 to explore potential regulatory measures, including the controversial proposal of "blocking" access to online gambling sites to deter users.
The Giants, while dealing with the fallout of this incident, have pledged to address the situation appropriately, taking into account the prosecutor's judgment in the coming weeks. As the team navigates this challenging period, the implications of this scandal extend beyond the players involved, raising questions about the integrity of the sport and the responsibilities of professional athletes.
As the situation develops, the Yomiuri Giants remain committed to transparency and accountability. They stated, "We will handle the matter appropriately while monitoring the prosecutor's judgment." The ramifications of this scandal may prompt further discussions within the league about the need for stricter regulations and a more robust educational framework regarding gambling laws for players.
In conclusion, with the ongoing investigation and the players' admissions, the Yomiuri Giants find themselves at a crossroads. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with gambling and the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards in professional sports.
