Also like in many other countries, just because betting on non-sactioned sports is illegal, people aren't deterred from it in the least. The Gambler (with a capital 'G') will bet on anything, and while I don't know of anybody who bets on baseball personally, I'm sure there are plenty of people who do it - from the casual office rivalry between Giants' and Tigers' fans, to underground bookies.
Nikkan Sports has run the paying odds from an online bookie in England for the past few Japan Series'. I'd even heard that they set up a portion of their site in Japanese specifically to target Japanese customers. Of course, since I'm not a gamber myself, I wouldn't know any details first hand.
This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
It is my sincere hope that once you learn a bit about what we're about here that you will join the community of contributors.
Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
Founder
"dear sir,
i see at many offshore sportsbooks betting lines on japanese baseball are offered. i've never actually seen them since they go up late at night.
my question is 'is there a lot of gambling that goes on with japanese baseball?'
is part of the passtime of baseball for some fans associated with wagering on the outcomes of the games?
thanks"