Pachinko

Pachinko is a popular Japanese mechanical game resembling a vertical pinball machine, used for recreation and gambling. Players launch small metal balls into a vertical playfield with pins and obstacles; the balls bounce unpredictably before falling into pockets. Depending on where the balls land, players may win more balls, which can be exchanged for prizes or tokens. Pachinko parlors are widespread in Japan, serving as both entertainment and a significant gambling activity. Although gambling for cash is illegal, the exchange of prizes for cash outside the parlors creates a legal gray area, making pachinko a unique cultural and gaming phenomenon.