Aichi prefecture police raided an illegal casino called “Q” in Nagoya city on suspicion of operating a gambling venue for profit.
A total of 23 staff and customers were arrested under the same charges, and four baccarat tables and cash totaling approximately JPY 7 million (US$65,000) was seized.
One of the customers said they were off work due to COVID-19 and had been visiting the casino two or three times a week. Police are investigating the possibility of the profits of this casino being a source of funding for gangs.
According to crime statistics from the police, 36 cases of illegal gambling were discovered in the period from January to April compared with 72 cases in the same period last year. Of those, 36 cases have led to arrests (52 last year), with an arrest rate of 100% versus 72.2% last year.
In total, 140 people were arrested compared with 83 in the same period last year – even though the number of cases has reduced, the rate charged and the number of people involved has increased significantly.
