"Unraveling the Shohei Ohtani Gambling Scandal"

Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is embroiled in a scandal involving illegal bookmaking and gambling debts, with allegations of embezzling $4.5 million from Ohtani's bank account to pay off his debts. The allure of credit, privacy, and avoiding taxes drives bettors to illegal bookmakers, who offer incentives and personal relationships. The investigation has shed light on the thriving illegal gambling market, especially in states without legal sports betting, and the challenges of regulating offshore betting sites.