Lots of folks dig anime. And why not? From Naruto to Legendary Gambler Tetsuya, the shows’ brilliant plot twists and dramatics are a delight to check out. The National Bureau of Statistics estimates that over 4% of the planet’s population are diehard anime lovers. As it is, the best anime tend to leave deep psychological remnants. We’ve covered some of the best gambling anime to watch on our list.
Contrary to what you typically would find in the western series, mahjong – not Roulette or Blackjack – tends to be the more featured game in these dramas.
The Origins of Anime and Why is It So Popular?
Although anime are, to a significant extent, wholesome elements of Japan’s culture, a remarkable number of the plays are not related, nor do they seek to promote Japan’s cultural affairs. Most neomodern anime typically span across several genres, including but not limited to adventure, horrors, and even high school settings.
The origin of the shows can be dated as far back as the 1800s. The unique animation style, storylines, and sound effects have contributed immensely to their success. Those stemmed from Utsushi-e (also magic lanterns shows), notably in Japan in the 19th century.
On a conservative estimate, the industry grosses $20 billion annually.
Gambling Animes: It’s Never About the Gambling
These types are never quite wholly based on gambling; gambling manga is mostly a supporting theme. Most anime makers integrate this theme as an offshoot of the post-1945 nationwide infatuation with illegal gambling in Japan.
Gambling was quite troubling back then. Casinos were seen as shortcuts to wealth, and unlike now, when you can easily play online, folks then had to make do with physical casinos. Gameplays were often rigged, and there was no such thing as free bonuses. Worse, games were restricted to the traditional Shogi and Mah-jong. However, these days gambling is available with one click.
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1. Kakegurui: Compulsive Gambler
When Yumeko Jabami, the protagonist of Kakegurui, switched institute to Hyakkaou Private Academy, everyone who knew her suspected she came to sate her fantasies; have some fun playing mahjong. And as later revealed, all Jabami cared about were the thrills, not the prospects of winning extra cash.
Jabami has her eyes set on being the overall champion. She would be willing to do anything and sacrifice anybody to get to the national scene. And now, not only do they keep watching her, they continuously accuse her of cheating.
Will she get to be the national champion? Or would she end up a sore loser? Find out by streaming it online yourself. Available on Netflix.
2. Yu-Gi-Oh
While the earliest releases were intended for kids, the more recent version (Season 0) has about every nasty story twist you might expect in a violent-themed anime.
The adult version features gambling of all sorts, including bets on fighters, specifically on their chances of survival in a fight-to-the-death duel.
You will certainly enjoy this show if you are easily thrilled by gambling.
3. Kengan Ashura
Do you like violent movies? If you particularly fancy grit and are not horrified by the sights of dead gladiators’ bodies mangled with sand, you would undoubtedly vibe with Kengan Ashura. The rules are simple: kill or be killed.
The protagonist, Ouma Tokita, also known as The Ashura, desires worldwide fame and respect, and to achieve such, Ashura signs himself off to the Kengan Associations. His triumphs benefit not only him but also Kengan. If you’ve only one anime about gambling to check out, ensure it is this one.
4. No Game, No Life
Sora and Shiro, two step-siblings, are quite notorious in Japan’s cyber-gambling space. As it happened, their obsession with gambling essentially rendered them anti-socials.
As the plot thickens, they eventually meet another hardcore gambler, Tet, who challenged them to a game. Ultimately, they won, leaving Tet, a hyper-dimensional god, awed. He later invited them to his universe, where upon arriving, they discovered that gambling is essentially a cultural element for the natives as conflicts can not be resolved in any way other than gambling.
5. Gyakkou Burai: Ultimate Survivor
The protagonist, a former baseball star and one of the main characters in this anime, has trouble securing employment and is totally without cash.
To worsen things, a creditor tracked him up and demanded he pay a debt he stood in for an acquaintance. As he is completely broke, the creditor demands that he visits a pokie, wager at high stakes, and brings away a million yen.
However, his odds of hitting the jackpot were monumentally low as the games were rigged. Here’s a problem you never have to face today. Read the reviews on AussieBestCasinos, find the most trustworthy site with best paying Australian pokies, and simply enjoy the game.
Ultimate survivor Kaiji is everything you should consider not becoming as the protagonist’s ready to gamble even while on a losing streak disregarding the inherent dangers.
6. March Comes in Like a Lion
This is mostly about a teen growing up and exploring the tenets of soul and possibility control. However, its links to gambling are via the protagonist, Rei Kiriyama, an affinity for Shogi.
He grew up an orphan, having been the sole survivor of a car crash when he was a toddler. He lost both parents and a sibling to the accident. He eventually lived with his godfather until he had to relocate to Tokyo.
There, he met and quickly bonded with three strange siblings who ultimately felt like the sisters he never quite had.
7. Death Parade
The plot is set around reincarnation. After dying in the physical world, whether or not a player gets to live again or get deleted forever from history depends singularly on whether or not they lose at gambling.
Players get to choose from a range of sports to decide their fate. Whether darts, slots, or air hockey, their odds of getting reincarnated are determined solely by their outcomes at these events.
8. Saki
Miyanaga, the protagonist, abhors all forms of gambling as it was the primary cause of her parent’s separation. As a freshman in her school, she got an invitation from her best friend, Kyoutarou Saga, to have fun at their school’s mahjong club.
When she got over it, she realized she was good at working out the intrinsic gameplay patterns. Her uncanny ability made her a legendary gambler in no time compared with her opponents, and she quickly climbed up the rankings. However, her success threatens her budding friendship with Nodoka, the college’s reigning star. Would she get to be the national champion? Find out by streaming this anime.
Final Thoughts
Although gambling is a widespread theme in anime, these shows do not encourage gambling. It is just one of many topics that are highlighted by the creators of this kind of entertainment. You certainly can enjoy anime with friends anytime. After all, you’ve got 4% of the world’s population as fellow fans.
Also read: Is Zeke Yeager Actually Good from Attack on Titan?
