Osaka police bust long-running illegal casino

Japanese city of Osaka has brought down an illegal casino den in the Minami entertainment district, with authorities noting that it may have been the biggest and oldest illegal casino in recent years.

According to news outlet Asia Gaming Brief, a total of 24 people were arrested, including a 41-year-old casino manager, 14 gamblers and nine casino staff.

Around ¥9m (US$79, 970) in cash and five gaming tables were confiscated. Police say the operations had elaborate security procedures, including 40 surveillance cameras located throughout the vicinity.

One longtime resident of the area told MBS News that the locals were well aware that gambling was available at the building in question. The man guessed that the illegal casino may have been operating for over two decades.

Osaka is tipped as the front-runner to land one of Japan’s planned integrated resorts, as the country’s politicians continue to evaluate and finalise secondary casino legislation.