Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) has announced that 14 additional players and staff from seven clubs have been linked to online gambling, deepening concerns over compliance violations within Japan’s top baseball league.
This revelation follows last week’s announcement by the Orix Buffaloes that pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka had been suspended for suspected compliance violations related to online gambling.
The Buffaloes launched an internal investigation after NPB received a tip-off and requested the club to examine the matter.
Yamaoka, a 29-year-old right-hander, reportedly participated in an online poker tournament through an overseas-registered gambling site.
Although the platform does not facilitate betting on baseball or other sports, the NPB has urged all 12 league clubs to report any similar activities involving their players or staff.
Following interviews with Yamaoka and an assessment by the NPB, it was confirmed that his actions did not involve betting on baseball.
However, the Buffaloes are still determining the appropriate disciplinary action, and Yamaoka has reportedly spoken with Osaka police regarding the allegations.
Japan legal restrictions and club decisions
Gambling in Japan is strictly regulated, with only publicly licensed activities such as horse racing and boat racing deemed legal. Online casino gambling remains illegal, making Yamaoka’s involvement a serious breach of compliance policies.
NPB has stated that the identities of the 14 additional individuals will remain undisclosed. Furthermore, the league has left disciplinary measures in the hands of their respective clubs, which will decide on potential punishments.
Implications for NPB and Japanese baseball
This growing scandal places NPB under increased scrutiny, raising questions about gambling awareness and compliance enforcement within professional baseball.
While none of the implicated cases involve baseball betting, the league expects any other participants in online gambling to voluntarily come forward.
The Buffaloes have indicated they will release further updates once Yamaoka’s punishment is finalized and NPB officials are likely to continue monitoring the situation as the league works to uphold its integrity amid the ongoing controversy.
