TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Wednesday announced the bust of an online casino in Shinjuku Ward, reports TV Asahi (Oct. 16).
Officers took Naoki Nemoto, the 26-year-old manager of club Hamar, located in the red-light district of Kabukicho, and one other suspect into custody for the illegal operation of a gambling venue for the purpose of financial gain.
Bettors bought points for 100 yen each to play on machines connected to a gambling site. That same amount was refunded for each point accumulated at the end of each session.
Nemoto has reportedly denied the allegations.
Aside from motorcycle, horse, boat, and bicycle racing, gambling is prohibited in Japan. Playing pachinko is not classified as gambling since winnings are returned to the player at a separate venue. The same system is in place for slot machines.
Haran is estimated to have earned 60 million yen in revenue since last December, police said.
