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In 2023, the pachinko-playing population in Japan was estimated at *** million players. Pachinko is a gambling game involving small silver balls that trickle down in an arcade-style machine, with players trying to direct the balls into winning holes. The game is one of the few gambling activities that are widely available and are tolerated in Japanese society. Pachinko is played in designated pachinko parlors that provide the necessary equipment, the machines, and balls that are needed for play.

Consumer behavior

Playing pachinko involves a certain sacrifice in terms of money and time spent. Active pachinko players frequent parlors on average about ** times per year, with most customers playing for several hours. The majority of players spend on average ** thousand Japanese yen and more per parlor visit, with a substantial share of players spending more than ** thousand yen per visit.

Addiction

Addiction to pachinko and pachislot gambling is a recognized social issue. The pachinko industry and other involved entities are active in finding ways to counteract problem behavior, taking various measures, such as awareness campaigns. While official data concerning the share of pachinko-addicted individuals show a low prevalence in the playing population, several programs exist that offer help to addiction-afflicted persons and their families. One such program is the Recovery Support Network, which receives thousands of pachinko gambling-related calls per year. Charity organizations that represent the pachinko industry also direct their funding to gambling-addiction-related programs.