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The World of Japanese Slots (1 of 2)

Japanese people have always liked to gamble, and the slots are no exception. Although slot machine play is a fairly new concept in Japan, the idea of a slot game device naturally coincides with a few pastimes that have long been Japanese hallmarks, like pachinko. Slots in Japan are called “pachisuro,” and have their roots in the classic pachinko game that has been popular for so long as to become a part of national tradition. Pachinko parlors have become the normal home for Japanese slots, although some have been popping up in “game centers,” or amusement arcades.

The main difference between American slots and their Japanese counterparts is that the latter variety would be classified as “beatable.” Payout percentages range from ninety percent (typical of an American casino) to a truly amazing one hundred sixty percent, or two hundred given a skill-based slot game. While American casino operators count on their players to keep playing for hours upon hours with only the illusory hope of a jackpot to motivate them, Japanese slot operators prefer to inspire players by seeing others win frequently. Consequently, they will purposefully mix a few “hot,” or frequently-winning devices into the mix, so that at least one person is winning at a given time. They hope that this will keep players pouring money into “cold” machines, those will lower payouts. It’s a very different model of making money than the one used by Americans!

The National Police Association’s "Security Electronics and Communication Technology Association" affiliate places regulations on Japanese slot machines. The devices must have three reels, for instance.

Continue to part 2 here.

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