TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Saturday broke up a bookmaking operation for illegally taking bets on boat and motorcycle races from inside a unit inside a multi-tenant building, reports TV Asahi (June 18).
Officers took the manger of the operation, Jung Byung-in, 77, into custody for violating of the Professional Motor Boat Racing Law regarding bookmaking. At the time of the raid, law enforcement discovered four customers inside the establishment, located in the Gotanda district of Shinagawa Ward, wagering 38,600 yen on races as they watched the results on television monitors.
At present, gambling on horse, boat, bicycle, and motorcycle racing from authorized betting outlets is legal in Japan.
The four customers were also arrested on gambling charges.
Jung, a Korean national, has reportedly admitted to the allegations. “There is no question that gambling took place,” said the suspect. “But I have nothing to say until I consult with a lawyer.”
According to police, a surveillance camera was installed outside to monitor incoming and exiting customers.
Over the past two years, the gambling operation collected 40 million yen in revenue.