Casino & Poker

A basic history of Pachinko

Here at our phenomenal NetBet online casino, we strive to continuously provide the widest array of games covering all areas. One of the oldest forms of casino gaming is the pachinko machine, which has gone on to have a massive influence on modern slots and casino games. Let’s take a look at the history of pachinko and how you can play pachinko style games, and others such as roulette, in our library.

What is Pachinko?

The best way to describe pachinko is a mixture between a pinball machine and a slot machine. Its mechanics are truly unique and its influence has been huge on the gaming world in general. They are part of the reason modern slots look the way they do today. In Asia in particular pachinko machines are massively popular in the arcade and casual gaming scene. They are one of the few types of games which crossover between casual gaming and gambling. Pachinko machines are traditionally used in parlours in Japan where players play for tokens which can be exchanged for prizes. In modern day slots the influence of pachinko is clear to see with many titles taking inspiration from the mechanics and gameplay style on show. 

History of Pachinko

The origins of pachinko date back to the early 20th century when a new game created in Chicago ended up being to Asia. The Corinthian Bagatelle was an American created machine game which looks like a very simplified version of what we know today as a pinball machine. Japanese toy stores began to stock these machines and they became massively popular with children. The first pachinko parlour was opened in 1930 in Japan, and by 1953 there were 387,000 registered pachinko parlours. At the time this was equivalent to three parlours per square kilometre, a staggering statistic to highlight the popularity these machines gained. Nowadays the buzz around pachinko is not at the same heights, with the rapid rise of video games, modern slots and online casinos, the traditional pachinkos are not as popular. However, their influence in modern day slots is clear to see. There are many iterations of the game that have been modernised and now in Japan you will find huge franchises working with pachinko machines to make themed titles. For example there was recently a Star Wars pachinko released around the world. Pachinko is an example of how games evolved over time and although they may look different as years go by, the original influence always remains. 

Online Pachinko at NetBet

At NetBet, we may not be able to provide the in-house experience of a Japanese pachinko parlour, but the slots we have on offer are all inspired and influenced by traditional pachinko mechanics. We offer a huge choice of titles, including traditional slots with lots of similarities to classic pachinko and modern titles that have taken the concepts of pachinko and elevated it to a whole new level.

If you enjoy themed slots NetBet also has you covered. Just like classic pachinko machines would have themes and concepts, our slots cover every theme you can imagine. Franchise favourites, fantasy games, immersive storyline games and more. The modern day has allowed the technology to take the ideas of classic slots and replicate them in many different ways. Head to NetBet now and take a look at our full list of titles where you are sure to find something to suit you. Remember when playing these slots that there is over a century of evolution that has gone into them!

When you choose our fantastic NetBet Casino, you can enjoy a whole range of top quality titles. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, we regard player wellbeing as our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.