.png)
Netflix’s new drama Bet is a live-action remake of the Japanese manga Kakegurui. Set in a high-stakes private school where students rise or fall through gambling, the show follows Yumeko Kawamoto, a mysterious new student out to disrupt the system—and uncover dark secrets from her past.
🎬 A Stylish Start
At first glance, Bet has all the right pieces: bold visuals, a unique setting, and a fun, over-the-top concept. The school looks cool, the games are flashy, and there’s plenty of teen drama. Fans of shows like Euphoria or Elite might find something to enjoy here.
⚖️ A Risky Remake
But if you're a fan of the original manga or anime, Bet may not live up to expectations. The story is heavily changed, with a new setting (Canada instead of Japan), new characters, and a revenge plot that wasn’t in the source material. While the core idea of gambling to climb the social ladder remains, it often feels watered down.
🎭 Performances & Characters
Miku Martineau (as Yumeko) gives a decent performance, but some fans think she lacks the wild charm that made the original Yumeko so memorable. The rest of the cast does their best, but the show sometimes focuses more on explaining the plot than building strong character moments.
🌍 Representation Matters
One of the biggest criticisms has been about casting. Although Kakegurui is a Japanese story, Bet features mostly non-Asian actors. Many fans have called this “Asian erasure,” pointing out how often Asian stories are adapted without proper cultural representation.
📣 Final Thoughts
Bet has a fun concept and flashy production, but it doesn’t fully capture what made Kakegurui special. It’s entertaining if you go in with no expectations, but longtime fans may find it disappointing.
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5
📺 Watch it if you enjoy:
- Teen dramas with a dark twist
- Flashy, stylized storytelling
- Series like Elite, Euphoria, or Riverdale
📝 Have you watched Bet? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Did it hit the jackpot or miss the mark?
