Inside Netflix’s ‘Bet’: What’s Real and What’s Not at St. Dominic’s Prep
Netflix’s Bet pulls you into a world where high school isn’t just about grades—it’s about gambling, secrets, and revenge. The show centers on Yumeko Kawamoto, a fearless student on a mission to bring down the shady power players at St. Dominic’s Prep.
But fans want to know: Is this elite school real? What about the Kakegurui Club? Let’s break it down—what’s true, what’s fiction, and how it ties back to the Japanese manga Kakegurui. And yes, we’re also diving into the emotional connection between Mary and Riri. Because even in a world full of secrets and bets, feelings still matter.
St. Dominic’s Prep Isn’t Real, But It Feels That Way
Let’s get this out of the way—St. Dominic’s Prep doesn’t exist. It’s a made-up school created just for Bet, though it’s inspired by the manga Kakegurui. In the original story, students attend Hyakkaou Private Academy, where gambling controls your rank.
Bet takes that idea and reworks it for a broader audience. The result? A more international school, with characters from both Western and Eastern backgrounds. It’s not just about one culture—it’s global.
To make it feel real, the show was shot in real places. Most scenes were filmed at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus. So when you see those fancy hallways and classrooms? That’s Canada. The school might be fictional, but it looks—and feels—like the real deal.
The Kakegurui Club: All Secrets, No Rules
The Kakegurui Club doesn’t exist in real life either—but it plays a huge role in Bet. Think of it like a shadow student council. A group of past leaders who still pull strings from behind the curtain. The name “Kakegurui” means gambling madness in Japanese. That tells you everything. This club thrives on high-risk games and twisted power moves.
And Yumeko? She’s not just another student. Her path runs straight through this secret group. The deeper she digs into her parents’ deaths, the more the club seems to be behind it. It’s risky. It’s intense. And it’s a big reason why the show keeps you on edge.
Mary and Riri: The Heartbeat of the Show
In all the chaos, one thing stands out—the relationship between Mary and Riri. It’s messy, emotional, and real. Mary starts cold. She cares about power and status. But when Yumeko beats her, something shifts. She begins to change.
Riri? Quiet. Thoughtful. And secretly in love with Mary. Their bond grows, slow and steady. There’s a moment—just a simple dance—that says everything. Riri’s feelings. Mary’s softness. It’s tender. But things get messy. Mary finds out Riri was behind the deaths of Blake and her stepfather.
Not by choice—Riri was following her father’s orders. The reward? A top role at school. The betrayal cuts deep. Still, in the season finale, Riri risks her life to protect Mary from Ray. That moment? It brings back hope. Maybe their connection wasn’t all a lie. Perhaps love can survive even this.
FAQs
Is St. Dominic’s Prep a real high school?
Nope. It’s a fictional school created for Bet.
Is the Kakegurui Club real?
No. The manga’s student council inspired the club, but it isn’t real.
Where was Bet filmed?
Toronto, Canada—mainly at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.
Is Bet based on a true story?
Not at all. It’s based on the fictional manga Kakegurui.
Do Mary and Riri end up together?
Their relationship is complicated. There’s love and betrayal. Where do they go next? That’s a story for season two.
Final Words
Bet is more than just drama and dares. It’s a story about truth, pain, and power. While St. Dominic’s Prep and the Kakegurui Club are made up, they give us a rich and real backdrop. And with characters like Yumeko, Riri, and Mary, the show reminds us: Even when the stakes are high, the people and emotions matter most.
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