Hironori Inagaki, representing the Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion, discussed the current state of sports betting markets. A recent report indicated that Japanese gamblers illegally wagered an estimated 6.5 trillion yen (approximately $46 billion) on sports through overseas websites in 2024. This figure highlights the need for Japan to consider ratifying an international treaty aimed at preventing match-fixing.
The Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion (C-SEP) released these estimates during a symposium held in Tokyo on May 14th. C-SEP, a Japanese foundation focused on expanding the sports industry, noted that these overseas websites have been benefiting from Japanese sports competitions without authorization.
Last year, approximately 4.9 trillion yen was wagered through these sites on various sports played in Japan, including baseball, soccer, and basketball. Of this amount, a significant portion, 3.8928 trillion yen, came from overseas bettors, while 1.0183 trillion yen was wagered by residents of Japan. Soccer, including J.League matches, accounted for the largest share of bets, followed by Nippon Professional Baseball and basketball.
A substantial portion of bets on Japanese soccer originated from China, while a majority of bets on Japanese baseball were placed from within Japan. Some overseas sports betting websites were found to be livestreaming Japanese professional sports competitions and using team logos and athlete images without permission.
Hironori Inagaki, also a lawyer, recommended that Japan ratify the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, also known as the Macolin Convention. This international agreement, implemented by the Council of Europe in 2019, encourages collaboration between public authorities and sports organizations to prevent match-fixing and other irregularities. The convention has been signed by numerous countries and ratified by a smaller number.
Yuki Ota, an Olympic fencing medalist and International Olympic Committee member, also participated in the symposium. He mentioned that 1.65 trillion yen was bet on events at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, emphasizing the need for integrity education for Japanese athletes.
Toshikazu Yamaguchi, president of the Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings newspaper publisher and owner of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team, expressed concern over recent instances of illegal gambling involving athletes, including members of the Giants. He emphasized the increased risk of player involvement in gambling due to the widespread use of smartphones. He advocated for Japan to sign and ratify the Macolin Convention to protect the nation's sporting world from gambling and manipulation. He also highlighted the absence of a joint public-private body in Japan to address this issue, suggesting the need to learn from international examples and promptly discuss the matter.
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