BET on Netflix is a teen thriller series based on the manga “Kakegurui”. The style feels like an actual live-action Manga, so keep that in mind when watching it. The kitsch and over-the-top vibe is very intentional. Read our full Bet season 1 review here!
BET is a new Netflix thriller series from Canada. In other words, it is an English-language series, but in flashbacks, we also get some Japanese as it’s based on a Manga, and part of the story plays out in Japan.
This is a teen thriller series, which is not for everyone. Nor is the whole Manga-vibe, and it’s based on the manga “Kakegurui” or “Kakegurui: Compulsive Gambler”, so it’s very much the Japanese animated style turned into a live-action series. The season has 10 episodes.
Continue reading our Bet series review below. Find Season 1 on Netflix from May 15, 2025.
Yumeko the Gambler
Before starting Bet, you should know that this Netflix series is a live-action Anime experience, and it is not for everyone. Personally, I didn’t like it very much when Cowboy Bebop was made into a live-action series. Even if I loved the actors cast in that series.
Still, Bet actually works for me. Maybe it’s the whole boarding school teenage setting that makes it come together better for me.
In Bet, the story follows the students at a boarding school for the global elite. We begin elsewhere, however, as we meet Yumeko right before she’s transferred to this elite boarding school.
At the school, the hierarchy of students is determined by underground gambling – hence the title of “Bet” as everything is about winning bets. Fortunately for Yumeko, she loves gambling and is damn good at it.
Of course, for a newcomer to disrupt the status quo isn’t popular. And with the heirs of the elite, the students are effectively running the school. When everyone’s mom and dad pay for everything and/or are on the board, not much can be done to discipline the students.
Miku Matineau is Yumeko
As the all-important lead character of Yumeko, we have Miko Martineau (Kate). In my opinion, she does an excellent job as she leans 110% into the whole Anime style. Everything is just a tad over the top, while she still manages to present an actual character.
Also, it should be mentioned that we’re not covering this Netflix series because teens are gambling. Rather, this is a revenge story. Yumeko is on a quest to avenge her father (this is revealed in episode 1, so it’s the core plot and not a spoiler) and will stop at nothing.
Other key characters at the St. Dominic private school are portrayed by Ayo Solanke (Clown in a Cornfield), Eve Edwards, Anwen O’Driscoll (October Faction), and Emma Elle Paterson. To name just a few of the actors playing students who have important roles in the story.
Watch Bet from Warrior Nun creator on Netflix now
The new Netflix series Bet is based on a Manga series by Homura Kawamoto and Tôru Naomura. The Manga is titled “Kakegurui” (which means “compulsive gambler”), which was first released in 2014.
In total, 18 volumes of the manga have been published, so there’s plenty of story to build on.
This Netflix series adaptation was developed by Simon Barry, who also serves as showrunner and even director on several episodes. Previously, Simon Barry also created the popular Warrior Nun Netflix series, so we can expect more seasons if it’s a hit.
To me, it’s obvious that Simon Barry (and everyone else involved with making the Netflix series) are doing everything to honor and pay tribute to the Mange series it’s based on. All while not trying to simply copy or replace the original.
The result is impressive. It took me by surprise that I enjoyed it as much as I did. At first, the very Anime-like style playing out in a live-action setting did take me by surprise. Maybe it’s the 30-minute runtime of each episode that also helped it all come together.
Think Wednesday or Gossip Girl setting and character-types, respectively, but then make it a live-action Anime series, and you have some idea of what to expect. Check it out if this sounds at all intriguing to you.
Bet season 1 is on Netflix with all 10 episodes from May 15, 2025.
Details
Creator: Simon Barry
Directors: Simon Barry, Jacquie Gould, Craig Wallace, Joyce Wong
Stars: Miku Martineau, Ayo Solanke, Eve Edwards, Clara Alexandrova, Hunter Cardinal, Anwen O’Driscoll, Aviva Mongillo, Ryan Sutherland, Dorian Giordano, Laura Afelskie, Emma Elle Paterson
Plot
At a private school where gambling determines social status, a skillful new student with a mysterious past is shaking things up — and betting on revenge.
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