New Live-Action Series ‘Bet’ Divides Fans of Kakegurui Franchise

LOS ANGELES, CA — Netflix‘s latest live-action series, ‘Bet,’ premiered on May 15, 2025, adapting Homura Kawamoto’s popular manga ‘Kakegurui.’ This adaptation presents viewers with a dark view of elite education where gambling rules the roost.

The story centers on Yumeko (Miku Martineau), a transfer student at St. Dominic’s Prep, known for educating the children of the wealthy elite. Unlike traditional schools, St. Dominic’s features a hierarchy dictated by high-stakes gambling, where students risk large sums of money to avoid becoming ‘house pets’ to their peers.

Yumeko’s arrival disrupts the status quo, particularly challenging student council president Kira (Clara Alexandrova) and her silent sister Riri (Anwen O’Driscoll). ‘Bet’ explores Yumeko’s reasons for joining this brutal environment while showcasing her interactions with fellow students Ryan (Ayo Solanke), Michael (Hunter Cardinal), and former council member Mary (Eve Edwards).

Despite the show’s interesting concept, early reviews have been mixed. Critics point out that the adaptation feels unnecessary, coming after a string of successful adaptations of the source material, including an anime series and Japanese live-action shows. Many feel that the new series fails to offer anything new or fresh to the Kakegurui narrative.

While the premise and character dynamics show potential, some modifications made for American audiences have frustrated die-hard fans of the original manga and anime. These changes have led to confusion among those who were hoping for a faithful retelling of Yumeko’s story and motivations.

‘Bet’ has sparked considerable attention, even climbing to one of Netflix’s most popular shows shortly after its release, despite divisive reactions from fans. Although it carries a storyline steeped in themes of revenge and power struggles, it has drawn criticism for its execution, often being labeled as repetitive.

The series is now available for streaming on Netflix, giving audiences the chance to see how the gambling drama unfolds.