Pachinko is a gambling device that combines elements of a pinball machine and a video poker machine. Pachinko parlours are widespread throughout Japan.
The game works by purchasing buckets of ball bearings and inserting them into the machine in an attempt to win more balls. These balls can then be exchanged for prizes. Since slot machine gambling is illegal in Japan, players cannot directly gamble for cash. However, nearly all pachinko parlours have an exchange window where prizes can be swapped for cash, effectively circumventing Japan’s anti-gambling laws.
Originally, pachinko machines were entirely mechanical, operating much like a vertical pinball machine. Today, they feature flashy digital displays and incorporate a slot machine-style function, leading to some parlours being referred to as “pachi-slot” venues.
While actually playing pachinko is best left to locals or those with a strong grasp of the Japanese language, we highly recommend stepping inside a pachinko parlour for the experience. The deafening combination of disco music blasting at full volume to compete with the clatter of thousands of metal balls, the dazzling array of flashing lights, and the ever-present haze of tobacco smoke make for an unforgettable glimpse into this uniquely Japanese form of entertainment.
