Netflix’s Bet Review: A Risky Manga Adaptation That Fails to Deliver
Netflix’s newest original series Bet, based on Homura Kawamoto’s popular manga Kakegurui, promised a high-stakes thrill ride set in a cutthroat prep school — but instead lands as an unnecessary and forgettable adaptation. Developed by Warrior Nun creator Simon Barry, the series follows the story of Yumeko, a mysterious transfer student who shakes up the elite world of St. Dominic’s Prep, where gambling replaces academics and social power is bought with risk.
Despite its rich source material and a striking premise, Bet struggles to find its voice. Instead of elevating or reimagining the Kakegurui universe, it delivers a watered-down version that feels out of sync with both the manga and its previous adaptations.
Yumeko’s Arrival Shakes St. Dominic’s — But the Impact Falls Flat
Bet kicks off with Yumeko (played by Miku Martineau) arriving at St. Dominic’s Prep after being expelled from her old school. At St. Dominic’s, students gamble with real money in a ruthless hierarchy where the losers become “house pets” — students burdened by debt and forced into servitude. Yumeko quickly gets involved in these dangerous games, challenging the school’s feared student council, led by the brutal Kira (Clara Alexandrova) and her silent sister Riri (Anwen O’Driscoll).
Yumeko’s rise through the ranks disrupts the school’s rigid social structure. She forms connections with Ryan (Ayo Solanke), who is emotionally pulled toward her, Michael (Hunter Cardinal), who refuses to gamble, and Mary (Eve Edwards), a disgraced former council member now forced to live as a house pet.
While the early episodes show promise, with unique game mechanics and a thrilling sense of competition, the show quickly becomes repetitive and emotionally shallow. The tension that should build with each bet loses its impact as the series drags on.
Weak Character Development and Unnecessary Americanization
A major issue with Bet lies in its overly stylized, exaggerated characters, particularly Yumeko. While she starts as a compelling lead, her manipulative behavior, forced quirkiness, and over-the-top outfits make her less relatable as the season progresses. She weaponizes Ryan’s feelings, disregards the safety of others, and her obsession with revenge overshadows any empathy viewers might have for her.
What’s more frustrating is how little Bet adds to the Kakegurui franchise. The manga already spawned a successful anime, a well-received Japanese live-action series, and multiple films — all available on Netflix. In comparison, this new Americanized version feels like a downgrade, lacking the edge, creativity, and cultural nuance of its predecessors.
Even the games, which should be the most exciting part of the series, start to feel stale. While House Wars in Episode 5 and House Pet Hunt in Episode 7 bring a bit of energy, they don’t do enough to revive the momentum. Clues about Yumeko’s real motives are dropped throughout, but the final reveal in the season finale doesn’t deliver the punch it promises.
Bet Is a Risk That Doesn’t Pay Off
At its core, Bet had everything it needed: an original concept, proven source material, and a built-in fanbase. But by straying too far from the heart of Kakegurui, it loses what made the original story so captivating. Simon Barry’s version of this world lacks emotional depth and fresh perspective, offering exaggerated drama over thoughtful storytelling.
For fans of the original manga or anime, Bet may feel like a missed opportunity. The series tries to gamble big but comes up short in nearly every category. With its uninspired plot twists, thin character arcs, and generic tone, Bet feels more like filler than a bold new take.
Now streaming on Netflix — but you might want to think twice before placing your bet.
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