View source for Pachinko

{{Short description|Japanese arcade gambling game}}
{{about|the mechanical game popular in Japan|the band|Panchiko|other uses}}
{{See wt|redirect=Kachinko||kachinko|Japanese word}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
[[File:Pachinko machine 5.JPG|thumb|A modern ''pachinko'' machine, ''[[Galaxy Express 999]]''-themed ]]
[[File:Electric City Akihabara Pachinko.jpg|thumb|A ''pachinko'' parlor in {{langr|ja-Latn|Tokyo}}]]
{{nihongo|'''Pachinko'''|パチンコ||{{IPA|ja|patɕiŋko|pron}}|lead=yes}} is a mechanical game originating in [[Japan]] that is used as an {{nowr|[[arcade game]]}} and, much{{nbsp}}more frequently, for [[gambling]]. Pachinko fills a niche in [[Japanese gambling]] comparable to that of the {{nowr|[[slot machine]]}} in the {{nowr|[[Western world]]}} as a form of {{nowr|low-stakes}}, {{nowr|low-strategy}} gambling.

Pachinko parlors are widespread in Japan, and usually also feature a number of slot machines (called {{lang|ja-Latn|[[pachislo]]}} or {{lang|ja-Latn|pachislots}}); these venues look and operate similarly to [[casino]]s. Modern pachinko machines have both mechanical and electrical components.

Gambling for cash is illegal {{nowr|''[[de jure]]''}} in{{nbsp}}Japan, but the widespread popularity of {{nowr|low-stakes}} pachinko in Japanese society has enabled a specific {{nowr|[[legal loophole]]}} allowing it to exist. {{nowr|Pachinko balls}} won from games cannot be exchanged directly for money in the parlor, nor can they be removed from the premises or exchanged with other parlors. However, they can be legally traded to the parlor for {{nowr|so-called}} "special prize" tokens ({{ill|Tokushu keihin|ja|特殊景品|lt={{lang|ja-Latn|tokushu keihin|cat=no}} ({{lang|ja|特殊景品|cat=no}})}}), which can in turn be "sold" for{{nbsp}}cash to a separate vendor {{nowr|off-premises}}. These vendors ([[wikt:ostensibly|ostensibly]] independent from, but often owned by, the parlor owner) then sell the tokens back to the parlor at the same price paid for them—plus a small [[sales commission|commission]], creating a {{nowr|cash profit}}—without technically violating the law.{{zwj}}<ref name="Kushner" />

By 1994, the pachinko market in Japan was valued at {{JPY|30|link=yes}}{{nbsp}}trillion{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Schodt|first=Frederik|author-link=Frederik L. Schodt|title=Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga|publisher=[[Stone Bridge Press]]|publication-place=Berkeley, CA|year=1996|isbn=978-1-880656-23-5|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Z0yDAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA111 111]|title-link=Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga}}</ref> (nearly {{US$|300}}{{nbsp}}billion; equivalent{{nbsp}}to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|300000000000|1994|r=-10}}}} in{{nbsp}}{{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{zwj}}{{Inflation/fn|US-GDP}}). In{{nbsp}}1999, sales{{nbsp}}and revenue from pachinko parlors contributed 5.6% of Japan's {{nowr|{{JPY|500}} trillion [[GDP|{{abbr|GDP|gross domestic product}}]]}}, and they employed over {{nowr|330,000 people}}, 0.52% of all those employed in{{nbsp}}Japan.{{zwj}}<ref name="Wan">{{Cite book |last=Wan |first=Junmin |title=Consumer casualties : exploring the economics of habit, information, and uncertainty in Japan |date=6 November 2014 |publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]] |isbn=978-1-137-38724-0 |publication-place=New York, NY |oclc=882185031}}</ref> However, the sales amount of these pachinko parlors is calculated based on the total amount that customers rented pachinko balls from pachinko parlors. It is said that on average, about{{nbsp}}85% of the money spent by customers in pachinko parlors is returned to the customers, so the sales of pachinko parlors are said to be about{{nbsp}}15% of the statistical amount.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hbol.jp/122534/5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929142539/https://hbol.jp/122534/5|script-title=ja:パチンコの還元率は競馬より高い約85％。そのギャンブル性について考える|language=ja|publisher=Harbor Business Online/[[Fusosha]]|date=22 December 2016|archive-date=29 September 2017}}</ref> {{As of|2015}}, Japan's pachinko market generated more gambling revenue than that of [[Macau]], {{nowr|[[Las Vegas]]}}, and [[Singapore]] combined.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://fortune.com/2017/01/30/pachinko-japan-gambling-casinos-economy/ |title=This Japanese Slot Game Generates More Revenue Than Las Vegas and Macau Combined |last=Hincks |first=Joseph |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=30 January 2017 |access-date=15 February 2021}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Pachinko gambling's {{nowr|[[grey-market]]}} nature and tremendous profit historically resulted in considerable infiltration by [[yakuza]], who used it as a vehicle for [[money laundering]] and [[racketeering]]. 

Since the 1990s, however, this has been less of an issue due to police crackdowns.{{zwj}}<ref name="Plotz" /> There were over 7{{nbsp}}million pachinkos around the world in{{nbsp}}2018 with more{{nbsp}}than half of them being in{{nbsp}}Japan.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Devin |title=Japan Pachinko Industry Continues Reeling, Profits Down 27 Percent |url=https://www.casino.org/news/japan-pachinko-industry-continues-reeling-profits-down-27-percent/ |website=Casino.org |date=3 August 2021 |access-date=29 May 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> In recent years, the pachinko market (the total amount of pachinko balls rented by customers from pachinko parlors) and the number of pachinko parlors in{{nbsp}}Japan have both continued to decline. The market{{nbsp}}size in{{nbsp}}2022 was {{JPY|14.6}}{{nbsp}}trillion, less{{nbsp}}than half of the {{JPY|35}}{{nbsp}}trillion in{{nbsp}}2005 when the market was at its{{nbsp}}peak, and the number{{nbsp}}of pachinko parlors in{{nbsp}}2022 {{nowr|was 7,665}}, less{{nbsp}}than half of the 18,244 in{{nbsp}}1997, when the number{{nbsp}}of parlors was at its peak.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkei.com/compass/industry_s/0188|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214212705/https://www.nikkei.com/compass/industry_s/0188|script-title=ja:パチンコ・業務用ゲーム機の業界概要|language=ja|publisher=[[The Nikkei]]|date=|archive-date=14 February 2024|access-date=14 February 2024}}</ref> 

Following a number of years of decline of parlours and machines, the number of pachinko machines in{{nbsp}}Japan dropped to around 2.5{{nbsp}}million by the {{nowr|end of 2019}}.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Pachinko Faces Tough Year as Decline Continues |url=https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h00765/ |website=[[Nippon.com]] |date=21 July 2020 |access-date=29 May 2022}}</ref>

== Description ==
A pachinko machine resembles a vertical [[pinball]] machine, but is different from Western pinball in several{{nbsp}}ways. It uses small ({{convert|11|mm|adj=on|abbr=out|lk=in|frac=5}} diameter) steel{{nbsp}}balls, which the owner (usually a "pachinko parlor", featuring many individual games in rows) rents to the player, while pinball games use a larger, captive ball.  

The player loads one or more balls into the machine, then presses and releases a spring-loaded handle, which is attached to a padded hammer inside the machine, launching the ball(s) into a metal track. The track guides the ball over the top of the playing{{nbsp}}field; then when it loses momentum, it falls into the playing{{nbsp}}field.

The playing field is populated by numerous [[brass]]{{nbsp}}pins, several small{{nbsp}}cups into which the player hopes the ball will fall (each catcher is barely the width of the ball), and a hole at the bottom into which the ball falls if it does not enter a catcher. The ball bounces from pin to pin, both slowing its descent and deflecting it [[wikt:laterally|laterally]] across the field. A ball that enters a catcher triggers a payout, in which a number of balls are dropped into a tray at the front of the machine.{{zwj}}<ref name="Reed how" />

Many games made since the 1960s feature "[[tulip]]" catchers, which have small flippers that open to expand the width of the catcher. They are controlled by the machine, and may open and close randomly or in a pattern; expert players try to launch a ball so it reaches the catcher when its flippers are open.{{zwj}}<ref name="Reed how">{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Daniel J. |year=2010 |title=How the Game Works |url=http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed/Campingart/pachinko/game.htm |work=Dan's Pachinko Data Page |access-date=9 November 2009}}</ref> 

The game's object is to win as many balls as possible, which can be exchanged for prizes. Pachinko machines were originally strictly mechanical, but have since incorporated extensive electronics, becoming similar to [[video slot machine|video{{nbsp}}slot machine]]s. Another type of machine often found in pachinko parlors, called a "pachislot", does not involve steel{{nbsp}}balls, but are [[Medal game|loaded{{nbsp}}with tokens]] or coins and {{nowr|[[trigger reel]]s}} comparable to those of a traditional {{nowr|[[slot machine]]}}. [[Online casino]]s also offer "pachislot" games to tailor their product to the Japanese{{nbsp}}market.

== History ==
Pachinko machines were first built during the 1920s as a children's{{nbsp}}toy called the {{nihongo|"Corinth game"|コリントゲーム|''korinto gēmu''}}, based on and named after the American "Corinthian [[bagatelle]]".{{zwj}}<ref name="Reed about">{{cite web |title=A little about the machines, and who makes (made) them |url=http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed/Campingart/pachinko/about.htm |access-date=15 February 2021}}</ref> It emerged as an adult pastime in {{langr|ja-Latn|[[Nagoya]]}} around{{nbsp}}1930, and spread from there.{{zwj}}<ref name="stripes">{{cite news |title=Pachinko |newspaper=[[Stars & Stripes (newspaper)|Stars & Stripes]] |url=http://okinawa.stripes.com/news/pachinko |date=15 September 2014 |access-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222162010/http://okinawa.stripes.com/news/pachinko |archive-date=22 December 2014}}</ref>

All of Japan's pachinko parlors were closed down during World War{{nbsp}}II but {{nowr|re-emerged}} in the late{{nbsp}}1940s. Pachinko has remained popular since; the first commercial parlor was opened in {{langr|ja-Latn|[[Nagoya]]}} in{{nbsp}}1948.{{zwj}}<ref name="stripes" /> Due to Japanese influence during its [[Japanese occupation of Taiwan|{{nowr|50-year}} occupation]], [[Taiwan]] has many pachinko establishments.{{zwj}}<ref name="JT20140524" /> 
[[Guam]] also hosts a pachinko parlor.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web | title=Supermercati diabetici nell'isola dei fast food (La vendetta del PINGUINO) | website=[[YouTube]] | date=16 June 2025 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yl9xzAp4RA }}</ref>

An estimated 80 percent of pachinko parlors in Japan are owned by [[Koreans in Japan|ethnic Koreans]].{{zwj}}<ref name="JT20140524">{{cite news |last=Scott |first=Simon |title=Ball and chain: gambling's darker side |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2014/05/24/lifestyle/ball-chain-gamblings-darker-side/ |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |date=24 May 2014 |access-date=15 February 2021}}{{subscription required}}</ref> In{{nbsp}}2001, British company {{nowr|[[BS Group]]}} bought a stake in [[Tokyo Plaza|{{nowr|{{langr|ja-Latn|Tokyo Plaza|cat=no}}}}]], which was running almost 20{{nbsp}}parlors in Japan, and had also looked into opening parlors in the United{{nbsp}}Kingdom.{{zwj}}<ref name="pachinkolondon">{{cite news |last1=Bowers |first1=Simon |title=Pachinko finds slot in London |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2001/jul/06/1 | date=6 July 2001 |access-date=16 March 2024}}</ref>

Until the 1980s, pachinko machines were mechanical devices,{{zwj}}<ref name="vintagepachinko1">{{cite web |title=Modern vs Vintage Pachinko Machines |url=http://www.vintagepachinko.com/information/vintage-vs-modern-pachinko.htm |url-status=live |access-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315232041/http://www.vintagepachinko.com/information/vintage-vs-modern-pachinko.htm |archive-date=15 March 2011}}</ref> using bells to indicate different states of the machine. Electricity was used only to flash lights and to indicate problems, such as a machine emptied of its balls.{{zwj}}<ref name="Reed electrical">{{cite web |url=http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed/Campingart/pachinko/electrical.htm |title=Electrical Notes |access-date=16 February 2021}}</ref> Balls were launched using a flipper; their speed was controlled by pulling the flipper down to different levels. Manufacturers in this period included {{langr|ja-Latn|[[Nishijin]]}} and [[SANKYO|{{langr|ja-Latn|Sankyo|cat=no}}]]; most of these machines available on online auction sites today date to the{{nbsp}}1970s.{{zwj}}<ref name="vintagepachinko1" /> After that time, pachinko machines incorporated more electronic features, thus requiring electricity for operation.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px" style="text-align: left;">
File:Early Pinball.jpg|{{lang|fr|[[Billard japonais]]}}, [[Southern Germany|Southern{{nbsp}}Germany]]{{wbr}}/{{wbr}}[[Alsace]] {{circa|1750–70}}
File:Masamura Gauge All 15.jpg|A pre-war pachinko machine
File:Mechanical sankyo pachinko machine.jpg|A [[SANKYO|{{langr|ja-Latn|Sankyo|cat=no}}]] mechanical pachinko machine from the{{nbsp}}1970s
File:Pachinko machine, Tokyo (screen blurred).jpg|A modern, electronic pachinko machine in a {{langr|ja-Latn|[[Tokyo]]}} parlor
</gallery>

== Mechanisms ==
[[File:Pachinko entrance.jpg|thumb|right|The entrance to a pachinko parlor in [[Shibuya, Tokyo|{{langr|ja-Latn|Shibuya|cat=no}}]], {{langr|ja-Latn|Tokyo}}, Japan]]
To play pachinko, players get a number of metal balls by inserting cash or cards directly into the machine they want to use. They then shoot the balls into the machine. Older pachinko machines use a spring-loaded lever for shooting balls individually; while later ones use a round knob, controlling the strength of a mechanically-fired plunger that shoots the balls. The balls fall vertically through an array of pins, levers, cups, traps{{nbsp}}and obstacles until they enter a payoff target or reach the bottom of the playfield.

The player has a chance to get more balls if a launched ball lands in one of certain places as it falls. More balls allow the player to remain in the game longer, creating a larger chance to win.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite AV media |title=#60 Japanese PACHINKO MACHINE played byTodd Tuckey from TNT Amusements – WHY BOTHER??? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT-PWC8_h4M |url-status=live |date=25 May 2012 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/BT-PWC8_h4M |archive-date=17 November 2021 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> 

Newer "pachislot" machines have a digital [[slot machine]] display on a large screen, where the objective is to get three numbers or symbols in a row for a jackpot.{{zwj}}<ref> {{Citation |title=Pachi-slot: Akumajou Dracula |url=https://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/cv-pachislot/screen-pachislot.htm}} </ref>

Every ball that goes into the center gate results in one spin, but there is a limit on the number of spins at one{{nbsp}}time because of the possibility of balls passing through the center{{nbsp}}gate while a spin is still in progress. Each spin pays out a small number of balls, but the objective is to hit the jackpot.

=== Design ===
Pachinko machines vary in several aspects—including decorative mechanics, sound, gimmicks, modes, and gates. The playing field is usually a wooden board with a transparent acrylic overlay containing artwork. Most modern machines have an [[LCD|LCD{{nbsp}}screen]] over the main start pocket. The game is played by keeping the stream of balls to the left of the screen, but many models have their optimized ball{{nbsp}}stream. Vintage machines vary in pocket location and strategy, with most having a specific center area containing win{{nbsp}}pockets.{{fact|date=September 2025}}

=== Payout mode ===
[[File:Insideanoldpachinkomachine.jpg|thumb|right|The inside workings of a pachinko machine being pulled out of a parlor]]
If the first two numbers, letters, or symbols of the spin match up, the digital program will display many animations before the third reel stops spinning, to give the player an added excitement. This is called a "reach" (or {{lang|ja-Latn|rīchi}}) and sometimes longer animations are played, called "super{{nbsp}}reaches". Pachinko machines offer different odds in hitting a jackpot; if the player manages to obtain a jackpot, the machine will enter into "payout{{nbsp}}mode".

The payout mode lasts for a number of rounds. During each round, amidst more animations and movies playing on the center screen, a large payout{{nbsp}}gate opens up at the bottom of the machine layout and the player must try to shoot balls into it. Each ball that successfully enters into this gate results in many balls being dropped into a separate tray at the bottom of the machine, which can then be placed into a ball{{nbsp}}bucket.

=== Hidden modes, hints, and instant wins ===
To enhance gameplay, modern machines have integrated several aspects not possible in vintage machines. A common one is the ability to switch between different play{{nbsp}}modes, including rare and hidden modes that can differ significantly from normal{{nbsp}}play. Two{{nbsp}}examples can be seen in the ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion (franchise)|Neon{{nbsp}}Genesis Evangelion]]'' series of pachinko machines, which include "Mission{{nbsp}}Mode" and "Berserker{{nbsp}}Mode", ranging from having little effect on winning to being an almost-guaranteed win.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web|author=van custompachinko |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKPCx8uZHnM&feature=BFa&list=PL1ED4C101C86F244A | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/eKPCx8uZHnM| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|title=Evangelion 4 pachinko 3 minute mission mode |publisher=YouTube |date=17 February 2010 |access-date=24 June 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web|author=van custompachinko |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWboJ8mwUNQ&feature=BFa&list=PLA226F31D09BDC567 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/NWboJ8mwUNQ| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|title=Evangelion: The Beginning and the End – Rei mode |publisher=YouTube |date=25 February 2010 |access-date=24 June 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Graphics in videos and light patterns can also give players a general idea of what these winning{{nbsp}}odds are. For example, a "super{{nbsp}}reach" may cause a change in animation, or show an introductory animation or picture. This adds excitement, with some changes having much more significance than others in terms of odds of winning on a given spin. Some machines feature instant wins. There are also second-chance{{nbsp}}wins, where a spin that appears to have lost, or to have a very{{nbsp}}low winning chance, gives the player three matching numbers and starts "fever{{nbsp}}mode".{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web|author=van custompachinko |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Ua3fY6Aw8&feature=BFa&list=PL0295172B98329168 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/c1Ua3fY6Aw8| archive-date=17 November 2021|url-status=live |title=Ashita no Joe Rikishi Mode |publisher=YouTube |date=1 November 2010 |access-date=24 June 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== <span class="anchor" id="kakuhen"></span> Post-payout systems ===
<!-- linked from redirect [[kakuhen]] -->
After the payout mode has ended, the pachinko machine may do one{{nbsp}}of two things. Most pachinko machines employ the {{nihongo||確変|kakuhen}} system (short for {{Nihongo||{{wikt-lang|ja|確率変動}}|kakuritsu hendō|{{gloss|probability change}}}}), where some percentage of the possible jackpots on the digital slot{{nbsp}}machine result in the odds of hitting the next jackpot multiplying by a large amount, followed by another spin regardless of the outcome. The probability of a {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} occurring is determined by a [[random number generator]]. 

Hence, under this system, it is possible for a player to get a string of consecutive jackpots after the first {{nowr|"hard-earned"}} one, commonly referred to as "fever{{nbsp}}mode". Another type of {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} system is a "special{{nbsp}}time" or "ST"{{nbsp}}''{{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}}''. With these machines, every jackpot earned results in a ''{{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}}'', but in order to earn a payout beyond the first jackpot, the player must hit a certain set of odds within a given number of spins.

When a jackpot does not result in a {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} combination, the pachinko machine will enter into {{nihongo||時短|jitan}} (short for {{Nihongo||時間短縮|jikan tanshuku|{{gloss|{{nowr|time-reduction}}}}}}) mode, with a much larger number of spins than ''{{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}}''. Under the original payout{{nbsp}}odds, the center{{nbsp}}gate widens to make it considerably easier for balls to fall into it; this system is also present in ''{{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}}''. 

To compensate for the increase in the number of spins, the digital slot{{nbsp}}machine reveals the final outcome of each spin sooner. ST{{nbsp}}pachinko machines do not offer this mode; after it ends, the machine spins as in ''{{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}}''. Once no more jackpots have been made, the pachinko machine reverts to its original setting.

=== Koatari ===
Starting in 2007, the majority of Japanese pachinko machines started to include {{Nihongo||小当たり|koatari|{{gloss|small jackpot}}}} into their payout systems. {{Transliteration|ja|Koatari}} is shorter than the normal jackpot and during payout{{nbsp}}mode the payout{{nbsp}}gate opens for a short{{nbsp}}time only, even if no balls go into it. The timing of the opening of the gates is unpredictable, effectively making it a jackpot where the player receives no payout. {{Transliteration|ja|Koatari}} jackpots can result in a {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} as per normal operation, depending on the payout scheme of the machine in question. The main purpose of {{Transliteration|ja|koatari}} is so that pachinko manufacturers can offer payout schemes that ''appear'' to be largely favorable to customers, without losing any {{nowr|long-term}} profit.

In addition to being able to offer higher {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} percentages, this made it possible for manufacturers to design {{nowr|"battle-type"}} machines. Unlike {{nowr|old-fashioned}} pachinko machines that offer a full{{nbsp}}payout or a {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} for any type of jackpot earned, these machines require players to hit a {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} jackpot with a certain probability in order to get a full{{nbsp}}payout. This is orchestrated by the player entering into "battle", where the player, in accordance with the item that the machine is based on, must "defeat" a certain enemy or foe in order to earn another ''{{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}}''. If the player loses, it means that a normal {{Transliteration|ja|koatari}} has been hit and the machine enters into {{Transliteration|ja|jitan}}{{nbsp}}mode.

Another reason for incorporating every {{Transliteration|ja|koatari}} is that they have made it possible for a machine to go into {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} mode without the player's knowledge. This is referred to as {{Nihongo||{{wikt-lang|ja|潜伏}}|senpuku|{{gloss|hidden}}}} {{Transliteration|ja|kakuhen}} because it does not occur in any of the jackpot modes. A player sitting at a used pachinko machine offering the {{nowr|1 in ''x''}} chance of hitting a jackpot in normal{{nbsp}}mode can hit it within ''x''{{nbsp}}spins easily because the previous player did not realize that the machine was in ''{{Transliteration|ja|senpuku}}''. This induces players to keep playing their machines, even though they may still be in normal{{nbsp}}mode. Japanese pachinko players have not shown significant signs of protest in response to the incorporation of ''{{Transliteration|ja|koatari}}''; on the contrary, {{nowr|battle-type}} pachinko machines have become a major part of most parlors.

== Prizes ==
[[File:Pachinko balls.jpg|thumb|Pachinko balls]]
Winnings take the form of additional balls, which players may either use to keep playing or exchange for prizes ({{Nihongo|2={{wikt-lang|ja|景品}}|3=keihin}}). When players wish to exchange their winnings, they must call a parlor staff member by using a call{{nbsp}}button located at the top of their station. The staff member will then carry the player's balls to an automated counter to see how many balls they have.{{zwj}}<ref name="Plotz" />

After recording the number of balls the player won and the number of the machine they used, the staff member will then give the player a voucher or card with the number of balls stored in it. Some modern machines can count the balls automatically, without the need for staff. The player then hands it in at the parlor's exchange center to get their prizes. Among the array of prizes available, there will invariably be an item known as the "special prize" ({{Nihongo|2=特殊景品|3=tokushu keihin}}, typically a small silver or gold novelty item encased in plastic) that can be sold for cash at an outside establishment in the vicinity of the parlor.{{zwj}}<ref name="Plotz" />

Special prizes are awarded to the player in amounts corresponding to the number of balls{{nbsp}}won. For example, one special prize worth ¥1500 outside the parlor might be offered to a customer per 400{{nbsp}}balls won, assuming each ball originally cost 4{{nbsp}}yen. The vast majority of players opt for the maximum number of special prizes offered for their ball{{nbsp}}total, selecting other prizes only when they have a remaining total too small to receive a special prize.{{zwj}}<ref name="Plotz">{{cite web |last=Plotz |first=David |url=http://www.japansociety.org/pachinko_nation |title=Pachinko Nation |publisher=[[Japan Society, New York]] |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=9 November 2009 |archive-date=20 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920173309/http://www.japansociety.org/pachinko_nation |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Besides the special prizes, prizes may be as simple as {{nowr|[[chocolate bar]]s}}, pens or [[lighter|cigarette lighter]]s, or as complicated as electronics, bicycles and other items. Under Japanese{{nbsp}}law, cash cannot be paid out directly for pachinko balls, but there is usually a small establishment located nearby, separate from the game{{nbsp}}parlor but sometimes in a separate unit as part of the same building, where players may sell special prizes for cash. This is tolerated by the police because the pachinko parlors that pay out goods and special prizes are nominally independent from the shops that buy back the special prizes.{{zwj}}<ref name="Kushner">{{cite web|first=David|last=Kushner|title=The Secret Life of Pachinko |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-secret-life-of-pachinko|work=[[IEEE Spectrum]]|author-link=David Kushner (writer)|date=1 October 2010|access-date=2 October 2010}}</ref> 

Some pachinko parlors may even give out vouchers for groceries at a nearby [[supermarket]].  The ''[[yakuza]]'' ([[organized crime]]) were formerly often involved in prize exchange, but a great{{nbsp}}deal of police effort beginning in the{{nbsp}}1960s and ramping up in the{{nbsp}}1990s has largely done away with their influence.{{zwj}}<ref name="Plotz" /> In{{nbsp}}{{langr|ja-Latn|Tokyo}}, the special prize exchange is handled exclusively by the {{ill|Tokyo Union Circulation|jp|東京商業流通組合|lt={{langr|ja-Latn|Tokyo|cat=no}}{{nbsp}}Union Circulation}} company (known as{{nbsp}}TUC), which sells pachinko and slot{{nbsp}}parlors gold{{nbsp}}[[wikt:slivers|slivers]] in standardized plastic cases, which it buys back from winning customers at its "TUC{{nbsp}}Shop" windows.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toyoukyo.or.jp/bohai.html|script-title=ja:新流通システム|publisher=Toyoukyo.or.jp|access-date=24 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121219175822/http://www.toyoukyo.or.jp/bohai.html|archive-date=19 December 2012 |language=ja |trans-title=Promotion of activities to eliminate gangsters that intervene in the industry}}</ref>

The "three-shop system"{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.casinoonline.jp/basic/onlinecasino-law/ |script-title=ja:オンラインカジノは違法か？合法か？問題に結論！【5分でわかる！】 |date=September 2020 |access-date=27 February 2021 |language=ja }}</ref> is a system employed by pachinko parlors to exchange for {{lang|ja-Latn|keihin}}{{nbsp}}(prizes), usually with items such as cigarette lighters or {{nowr|[[ball-point pen]]s}}. These items are carried to a nearby shop and exchanged for cash as a way of circumventing gambling laws.

== Recreational pachinko ==
{{No sources|section|date=July 2023}}
Many arcades in Japan feature pachinko models from different times. They offer more playing time for the same amount of money, and have balls that can be exchanged only for game{{nbsp}}tokens to play other games in the establishment. As many of these arcades are {{nowr|smoke-free}} and gambling is removed, they are popular venues for casual players, newcomers, children, and those wanting to play in a more relaxed atmosphere. 

In such arcades, thrifty gamblers may spend a small amount on a newly-released pachinko model to get a feel for the machine before going to a real{{nbsp}}parlor. These machines can also be found in many stores, where they pay{{nbsp}}out capsules containing a prize coupon or store credit.

== Regulations ==

=== Smoking ===
Smoking is allowed in pachinko parlors, although there are discussions in Japan to extend public {{nowr|[[smoking ban]]s}} to them.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web| url = http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/635/feature.asp | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060711140004/http://metropolis.japantoday.com/tokyo/635/feature.asp| archive-date = 11 July 2006| title = A dying breed: Japan's smokers are feeling the heat as the government slowly tackles tobacco| access-date = 12 September 2006| last = Shores| first = Trey| date = 26 May 2006| publisher = Metropolis}}</ref>

=== Crime ===
[[File:Antipachinkodemonstration-tokyojapan-2013.jpg|thumb|An anti-pachinko demonstration in {{langr|ja-Latn|Tokyo}}, Japan in{{nbsp}}2013]]

[[Gambling in Japan|Gambling is illegal in Japan]], but pachinko is regarded as an exception and treated as an amusement activity.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Master |first=Farah |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-casino-pachinko-idUSBREA4B0V320140512 |title=Taxing times for pachinko as Japan considers casino gamble |work=[[Reuters]] |date=12 May 2014 |access-date=24 June 2014}}</ref> Although awarding direct money prizes for it is illegal, parlors may reward players with tokens which can then be sold for cash at nearby exchange centers. With growing public and political pressure in recent years, since passage of Japan's blanket {{nowr|anti-gambling law}} in the{{nbsp}}1990s, police are more active in regulating parlors.{{zwj}}<ref name="Plotz" /> 

Retired police officers often work in the pachinko industry; critics have pointed out that while this has had a deterrent effect against organized crime, it also means these operators are in a strong position to influence police officers in their favor.{{zwj}}<ref name="Plotz" />

Police tolerate the level of gambling in pachinko parlors. For example, in May{{nbsp}}2005, a parlor in [[Kanagawa Prefecture|{{langr|ja-Latn|Kanagawa|cat=no}} Prefecture]] reported to the local police that someone had counterfeited their tokens and made off with the equivalent of US$60,000 in{{nbsp}}cash by trading them in at their nearby exchange center. Even with such information proving that this parlor was illegally operating an exchange center, which by law must be independent of the parlor, the police did not shut them down, but tracked down the thief.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.hkgem.com/reports/prelist/Documents/EDynam-20120706-15.pdf| title = Fraud Investigation: Pachinko parlor}}</ref>

=== Ball designs ===
It is forbidden for pachinko balls to be removed from a parlor to be used elsewhere. To help prevent this, many parlors have a design or name engraved on each of their balls, inspiring some people to collect pachinko{{nbsp}}balls with various designs.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}}

== Addiction ==
{{See also|Gambling in Japan}}
A 2014 study showed that [[pathological gambling]] among Japanese adults was 9.04% in{{nbsp}}men and 1.6% in{{nbsp}}women, higher than the North{{nbsp}}American prevalence of 1.6%, particularly for men.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Toyama|first1=T.|last2=Nakayama|first2=H.|last3=Takimura|first3=T.|last4=Yoshimura|first4=A.|last5=Maesato|first5=H.|last6=Matsushita|first6=S.|last7=Osaki|first7=Y.|last8=Higuchi|first8=S.|date=1 September 2014|journal=[[Alcohol and Alcoholism]]|volume=49|issue=suppl 1|pages=i17|doi=10.1093/alcalc/agu052.75|issn=0735-0414|title=Sy17-4 * Prevalence of Pathological Gambling in Japan: Results of National Surveys of the General Adult Population in 2008 and 2013|doi-access=free}}</ref> In{{nbsp}}1999, 29% of{{nbsp}}players thought of themselves as addicted and needing treatment. Another{{nbsp}}30% said they exceeded their budgets and borrowed money to play.{{zwj}}<ref name="Wan" />

== Franchising ==
A number of [[media franchise]]s, mainly the [[media mix]]—including [[Cinema of Japan|Japanese{{nbsp}}film]], [[anime]], [[manga]], [[Television in Japan|television]] and [[video game franchises]]—have generated significant revenue from sales of licensed pachinko and pachislot machines to pachinko parlors and [[amusement arcade]]s.{{zwj}}<ref name="DKPPPLNF">{{cite news |last=Graser |first=Marc |title='Dark Knight' Producer Plays Pachinko to Launch Next Franchise (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/games/dark-knight-trilogy-producer-plays-pachinko-to-launch-next-franchise-1200571785/ |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=2 August 2013}}</ref> [[Sega Sammy Holdings|Sega{{nbsp}}Sammy Holdings]] and [[Konami]] are two major license holders for most media{{nbsp}}mix pachinko machines.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite news |first=Rich | last=Stanton |date=2022-05-13 |title=Konami just had its best-ever year, thanks to games you've never heard of |language=en |work=[[PC Gamer]] |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/konami-just-had-its-best-ever-year-thanks-to-games-youve-never-heard-of/ |access-date=2025-09-16}}</ref>

Some original pachinko games were adapted into anime: examples include {{lang|ja-Latn|[[Bakumatsu Gijinden Roman]]}}, [[Battle Girls: Time Paradox|''Battle{{nbsp}}Girls: Time{{nbsp}}Paradox!'']], [[Rio: Rainbow Gate!|{{nowr|''Rio: Rainbow Gate!''}}]], and [[Yoshimune (TV series)|{{lang|ja-Latn|Yoshimune|cat=no}}]].

== See also ==
* {{anl|Bean machine}}
* {{anl|Galton board}}
* {{anl|Payazzo}}
* {{anl|Pachinko allocation}}
* [[Plinko]], a game similar to pachinko, featured on the American game show ''[[The Price Is Right (U.S. game show)|The Price Is Right]]''
* [[Visual Pinball]], a software game engine for creating computer game simulations of pachinko and pinball machines
* ''[[The Wall (American game show)|The Wall]]'', an American {{nowr|game show}}, features a {{nowr|four-story}}-high pegboard{{nbsp}}wall similar to Plinko{{nbsp}}and Pachinko

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Sister auto}}
* [http://pachinkoplanet.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=page&id=2&chapter=2&zenid=bqff82amvfcqplln150biks7u2/ History of Pachinko] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113164259/http://pachinkoplanet.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=page&id=2&chapter=2&zenid=bqff82amvfcqplln150biks7u2%2F |date=13 January 2019 }}

{{Gambling}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Pachinko| ]]
[[Category:Japanese games]]
[[Category:Gambling in Japan]]
[[Category:Slot machines]]
[[Category:Redemption games]]
[[Category:Yakuza]]