Initially introduced in Japan as a children’s game in the 1920s, Pachinko is a cross between slot machine, arcade, and pinball games. The general idea of Pachinko is to get as many balls as possible into winning pockets, but as with almost every game out there, Pachinko has a twist.
Several obstacles, in the form of brass pins, obstruct the balls’ directions to the winning pockets. This adds to the game’s allure, as players must pay their undivided attention and employ their skills when playing.
This article explains pachinko mini-games, what they are, how they can be played, and steps you can follow to significantly increase your chances of winning.
Pachinko Mini Video Games Explained
Introduced in the 1920s and sold primarily as a children’s game, pachinko games have been around for a long time. The initial pachinko games were designed after the early 20th-century Chicago-based Corinthian Bagatelle pinball games.
After its introduction, Pachinko became an instant hit in Japan. The games were placed in candy shops to lure children and their parents and money to stay longer in those shops. Recently, Pachinko has raked in over $200 billion yearly, which is grossly more than what is gambled in some states.
How to Play Pachinko
Playing Pachinko is straightforward. The first thing to know is that the machines are arranged according to their prices and winning probability. Each machine has different ball prices, starting from one yen per ball to four yen per ball, and so on.
Your familiarity and expertise in Pachinko will determine whether you will choose a suitable machine to play with. The next step would be to insert money into the machine you’ve chosen for your game and push a button to release a set of metal balls you’ll play with.
Winning Pachinko is more challenging than playing it, as it requires you to carefully push the play lever on the machine to launch the balls high and hard enough to make their way into one of the winning pockets. You only get more prizes if you get more balls into the winning pockets.
How to Win at Pachinko
People often wonder if Pachinko is a game of skill or chance, and the truth is that different players will always give you different answers based on their perspectives.
Whether it is one or the other, at the end of the day, winning at a game of Pachinko is similar to winning when playing real money online slots. Although the chances of winning at Pachinko are slim, you increase your opportunities by following these steps.
- Set a budget for your game.
- Effectively manage your balls.
- Opt for machines with high payouts.
- Settle for machines with excellent odds.
Doing these may not guarantee that you’ll win all your games, but they will at least give you a chance to win. On that note, it is doubtful that pachinko parlors will give you real money when you win a game. Still, if you’re searching for the most popular and fun real-money gaming options, fish table games might be an acceptable comparison. These are found in American casinos.
Pachinko Parlor Rules
Pachinko parlor rules vary in casinos worldwide, but if you decide to visit Japan and play some real-life pachinko, here is a list of rules you must adhere to.
- Only players 18 years and older are granted access to pachinko parlors.
- Kids are prohibited from pachinko parlors.
- You’re also not allowed to leave your kids in the car while you dash into the parlor for a quick pachinko game.
- You’re only permitted to play one pachinko game at a time.
- Drinking alcoholic beverages is banned from pachinko parlors.
- Do not hit the pachinko machine while playing your game.
- Taking pachinko balls out of a parlor and bringing them into another parlor is prohibited in Japanese pachinko parlors.
There are many rules, but individuals who violate them may risk being banned from these parlors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are pachinko mini video games permitted in Japan?
Yes, pachinko parlors are everywhere in Japan and are considered the local Japanese equivalent of casinos. The game was first played as a traditional Japanese gambling machine before it spread to other countries.
Can I play Pachinko for real money?
Some casinos give you real money when you win at a pachinko game, while others give you pachinko balls that you can exchange for prizes or tokens. However, separate businesses may offer you real money in exchange for your pachinko balls. So, your winning real money after a game of Pachinko depends on what casino or pachinko parlor you visit.
Is there a difference between Pachinko and a pinball machine?
Yes, there are several differences between Pachinko and pinball. A pinball machine is horizontal, while a pachinko machine is vertical. The balls used in a pachinko machine are smaller than pinball balls, and players can easily remove the balls in a pachinko machine, but not those of a pinball machine.
Conclusion
Now armed with information, you know that pachinko games originated in Japan. You can play them in any casino and win real money, pachinko balls, tokens, and other prizes.
This article contains other information about the game you may need to know. The next time you enjoy it, be sure to put everything you’ve learned here into practice.
Ashley Grasse
Ashley Grasse is a research writer and casino entertainment expert. She’s interested in game theory and strategy. Ashley evaluates online casinos and writes blogs about trending topics in the gambling industry. In the years she’s been writing at OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com, she’s earned a reputation for her deep dives and thorough research. You can also find very quirky and entertaining pieces authored by Ashley throughout our site.