In a significant legal development that has sent ripples through the Japanese online gambling community, 38-year-old Makoto Chomabayashi from Tokyo faces the possibility of spending up to five years behind bars. His alleged crime? Engaging in online casino activities and acting as an affiliate for such platforms, both of which are strictly prohibited under Japanese law.

Chomabayashi’s case is particularly noteworthy not only because of the severe legal consequences he faces but also due to the staggering amount of money involved. According to reports from the Asahi, a respected Japanese media outlet, he wagered an astonishing 28 billion yen (approximately $194 million) since August 2022 through international online casinos. This figure is believed to be the largest ever recorded for a single individual’s gambling activities in Japan, showcasing the extensive scale of his involvement.

The primary platform where Chomabayashi placed his bets was Stake, an online casino operated by Medium Rare N.V., which holds its license in Curaçao. Baccarat appeared to be his game of choice on this site. Despite losing over $270K due to his gambling habit, Chomabayashi further entangled himself with illegal online gambling activities by promoting Stake as a “casino affiliate.” In this role, he directed more than 100 people to the site, earning around $48K in commission—a decision that significantly contributes to his potential prison time.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has been vigilant in their crackdown on illegal online gambling, with Chomabayashi’s case serving as a high-profile example of their efforts. Despite admitting awareness of the illegality of his actions, Chomabayashi seemed surprised at being caught, having shared his winnings openly on social media under the alias “Meikyoshisui,” which translates to “clear mirror, still water.”

This incident sheds light on a broader issue within Japan regarding online gambling. A survey conducted by the National Police Agency revealed that approximately 3.37 million citizens have engaged with online casinos, cumulatively betting more than $8 billion annually. Alarmingly, up to 40% of these users were reportedly unaware that such activities are illegal in Japan.

In response to this growing problem, Japanese authorities have intensified their stance against illegal gambling. The government has implemented stricter penalties not just for players but also for affiliate marketers and third-party payment processors associated with unauthorized gaming sites. Last year alone saw a significant spike in arrests related to online casino activities—a 160% increase over previous figures—highlighting the government’s commitment to eradicating this issue.

As Chomabayashi awaits sentencing—with factors like cooperation with authorities and lack of prior criminal history potentially mitigating his sentence—the case serves as a stark warning about the risks associated with illegal online gambling in Japan. With stricter regulations now in place and heightened enforcement efforts ongoing, it’s clear that Japan is taking decisive steps toward addressing this challenge head-on.