Casinos are more popular than ever before. With the proliferation of online casinos offering better gaming experiences, and land-based casinos upping their game when it comes to atmosphere and hospitality, it’s no surprise that people are flocking to casinos or signing up to apps to enjoy their favorite games.
Of course, gambling and casino games have been around for centuries, and have made their way into pop culture: from films and television shows to music and more. One of the places where it’s gained a presence is in anime. Here’s some research if you’d like to know more.
In this article, we explore the top five animes that feature gambling and casino games. So that you can add these to your ‘must watch’ lists for a weekend binge session!
Gyakkyo Burai Kiji: Ultimate Survivor
Released back in 2007, Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a series over 26 episodes, and started off as a manga by Nobuyuki Fukumoto in the 90s.
The story is centered around the protagonist, Kaiji Itou, who is pressured by a loan shark to repay a debt of one of his coworkers. When he fails to do so, he receives the offer to board the Espoir – a ship where rumour has it “one night on board and all your debts to be paid”.
The night starts off rather normally, but turns into a thrilling storyline involving strategy, betrayal, and more.
This anime can be watched on Crunchyroll and with so many episodes, you’re in for a real treat. If you’re into a psychological thriller, then Gyakkyo Burai Kiji: Ultimate Survivor is a great choice!
Kakegurui — Compulsive Gambler
Kakegurui — Compulsive Gambler is an anime television series that aired in Japan in 2017. Based on a manga series written by Homura Kawamoto, the story is set at Hyakkaou Private Academy which is a school that brings in some of the wealthiest and promising students. The twist in this anime is that hierarchy isn’t based on how well the students do academically, but instead by gambling.
The story of this anime is centered on a second-year student named Yumeko Jambani who recently transferred to the school and seems to be lighthearted and bright. But what you soon come to learn is Yumeko Jambani is a keen gambler who instead of gambling for financial or social gain, does so just for the thrill of it.
There are 12 episodes in this series and it’s available to watch on Netflix, so it’s well worth saving on your list if you’re looking for a bit of a binge.
Legendary Gambler Tetsuya
This anime based on the Manga series became a television series at the turn of the millennium and includes 20 episodes in total. The storyline follows the protagonist Tetsuya, who is a talented gambler. Set in post-World War II Japan, Tetsuya is a skilled gambler, but uses cheating frequently to his advantage.
One of the fascinating elements of the show is that it’s based on a real life gambler called Takehiro Irokawa.
Saki
Another much-loved anime is Saki. Released in 2009 over 25 episodes, this anime’s lead protagonist is Saki Miyaneaga, a schoolgirl who hates the game of mahjong but ends up being incredibly talented at it.
Beyond being a brilliant anime series as well as the maga form, there was also a live action television series created based on Saki as well as a video game which was released for the PlayStation Portable.
Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai
Another classic anime from the mid-2000s, Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai includes 12 episodes and is conveniently available to watch on Netflix.
Like several other shows on this list, this show is set following the period of time after World War II in Japan. The protagonist for this anime is Shigeru Akagi — a young boy who ends up being a talented gambler and faces off against others in mahjong. Her friendship with another club member, Nodoka Haruma, leads Saki to develop a love for the game over time and even enter the high school tournament.
The anime is available to watch through Crunchyroll and is worthwhile if you’re a fan of classic anime (and gambling too!)
It’s a storyline that’s been popular across many forms, with two live-action movies having been released during the 1990s and a live television series in 2017.
