Pachinko - Parlor Selection

Ok,

So in my last post I said I wouldn't be playing Pachinko for a while, but that was due to playing at the WRONG PARLOR as I now realize.  Even though it was an event day, and they have been holding events I have taken a wander through and noticed people getting absolutely murdered at this parlor.  Some Pachinko parlors are better than others, and it is generally the most successful parlor that has the better machines.  You would think otherwise because the parlor has to pay a certain amount of money for the winners, but what the parlor gets is a loyal customer.

I recently became a member of the major local Pachinko parlor near my house, the same day that I got a decent sized win.  I will likely never play at the other 2 parlors again, as the only time I won at either were during huge events (MILLION's grand-re opening, to all reading I DO NOT recommend going to MILLION as they just don't win).  I have won 2 other times at this parlor, even though I have been there a total of 5 times.  That must tell you something.  

Basically, the biggest parlor in your area is probably best, unless it's empty.  Pachinko parlors during events should be ALMOST capacity, with a huge line out the door at 9:00 AM.  If you DONT see this crowd of people, it's not the place to play.

Pachinko is becoming Much More Difficult

I don't recommend playing Pachinko these days, as not only the payout has dropped to 3 yen per ball for winning, the machine settings are a lot harder.

One can see this from the stats at the top of the machine.  Even if you win once, a lot of the newer machines are only paying out 1 big jackpot.  Even new machines and event days are a losing proposition for most players.

Why is this?  Because the economy is dead in Japan.  They know that people out of work will gamble their money off if they see an "Event Day".  When I first came to Japan there were only a few event days a month, now there are event weeks and events every weekend!  I think it's a big bait and the only people making money are parlor owners themselves.

Pachinko Professional Lesson 1

Pachinko is not an easy game to master.  Many websites will explain what the machine is and what it does, but only I will tell you how you can win.  I am a winning player at this game and have been for some time.  You will lose some days, and lose a lot, but the days you win can offset this.

The first thing you must know is which days and time of day will be most profitable.  Sure, it is possible to win on any day but some days are luckier than others.  Go to your local parlor and check the signage, if they are having a big event then you should show up early in the morning, about 9AM or before to grab a good machine that you have scouted.

You can see the last days statistics and in some parlors the last days spins per win statistic on the LED display above the machine.  The machines are reset nightly but in the morning especially on an event day "yesterdays winner" will still be set high.

Pachinko Machines are set from levels 1-6.  1-3 lose, 4 win small, 5 and 6 are great.  The guys sitting at the 5 and 6 level machines are likely to go home with 70,000 yen or more once their day is done.

Event days have more of these such machines.

Lesson 2 coming soon.

Pachinko

What is Pachinko?  Simply put, Pachinko is a type of Japanese gambling machine.  I know that you may have heard there is no gambling in Japan, this is true in a legal sense when applied to Pachinko and Pachi-Slot. (Japanese style Slot Machines)  Pachinko is most easily explained to a foreigner as "Upright Pinball" but it is a bit more difficult to grasp than that.  This blog is designed to help foreigners become good at Pachinko, know the etiquette and how to get your money.

I also will tell you about Pachinko Software that you can buy for your home console such as Playstation 2, that somewhat mimics the experience for those who cannot go to Japan. (or those who wish to practice)

Pachinko must be played to be understood, and it is part of the tapestry that is Japanese culture.  I hope YOU TOO, can become a Pachinko Professional!