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.