Online Casino Use Reported on 7 of Japan’s Pro Baseball Teams, after Yamaoka Suspended from Orix Buffaloes (Update 1)

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:18 JST, February 27, 2025 (updated at 15:50 JST, Feb. 28)

The Nippon Professional Baseball Organization said Thursday that a total of 14 people associated with seven teams reported having gambled at online casinos, responding to the group’s request to report any such use.

The NPB said it questioned all personnel connected with its 12 member teams, including players, managers, coaches and staff. All 14 people said they gambled after February 2022, which is within the three-year statute of limitations for gambling under the Penal Code.

NPB secretary general Katsuhiko Nakamura told reporters that the organization would not disclose the names or teams of the 14, and that each team would “handle the matter appropriately,” such as by confirming details, consulting with the police or imposing punishments.

Nakamura said he would also refrain from commenting on how much the 14 bet or whether they were aware their actions were illegal, as each case was different. No baseball games were bet on, he added.

The NPB, in cooperation with the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association, will continue to accept voluntary reports for the time being. One self-reported case involved gambling that took place during a period for which the statute of limitations has expired. Under the circumstances, Nakamura said the NPB would “investigate each case as necessary.”

“We take the matter very seriously,” he said, adding that the NPB would seek to educate teams on the issue.

Before Thursday’s announcement, the Orix Buffaloes suspended pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka, 29, as he was found to have taken part in a poker tournament through a gambling site registered overseas. Yamaoka is consulting with the Osaka prefectural police.