TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nippon Professional Baseball's 12 clubs have decided to impose fines on players found gambling online, which is illegal in Japan, in cases deemed low-risk for addiction, sources familiar with the matter said Saturday.

The decision is apparently aimed at bringing a degree of closure to the issue before the regular season starts next Friday and is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Gambling in Japan is only legal if publicly licensed, such as horse and boat racing.

In working-level talks with NPB on Friday, the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association requested that players be fined instead of suspended in cases where risks of problem gambling are considered low.

The issue came to light on Feb. 21 when the Orix Buffaloes announced the suspension of pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka from baseball activities, saying his past use of an online casino is suspected of compliance violations.

The 29-year-old right-hander is said to have taken part in an online poker tournament through an overseas-registered gambling site. NPB also questioned Yamaoka and confirmed the site does not facilitate gambling on baseball or other sports.

The baseball organization subsequently asked all 12 clubs to voluntarily come forward with any information about players or staff gambling online. On Feb. 27, another 14 cases among seven clubs were reported.

NPB has left it up to the clubs to decide whether the names of the players involved are released and what penalties should be imposed.