The Five Best Gambling Anime Shows

In Japan, when the topic of gambling arises, most people think of pachinko due to Japan’s long-standing history of restricting gambling establishments and the use of hanafuda cards. Presently, all forms of gambling remain illegal in Japan.

Nevertheless, Tetsuya is determined to reach his aspiration of becoming a renowned gambling master.

The Legend of Gambler Tetsuya spans 20 episodes, having aired from 2000 to 2001. It is adapted from the manga series known as The Legend of the Gambler: Tetsuya. Set in post-WWII Japan, the protagonist is a young Mahjong prodigy who claims substantial cash prizes from Shinjuku City.

Tetsuya employs any strategy, including deception, to secure victories. While numerous other anime on this list emphasize character growth and mental strategies, the aspect of cheating stands out in gambling-focused anime. Tetsuya’s personal code suggests that cheating is only wrong if one gets caught.

He often states:

“The concept of cheating is fair game for Tetsuya as long as it remains undetected.”

The narrative of Legendary Gambler Tetsuya draws inspiration from real-life accounts related to Hourouki Mahjong, also known as Takehiro Irokawa. The plot's authenticity stems from its portrayal of emotions linked to illicit activities during Japan's war-torn period. In reality, casino venues are non-existent, paralleling its depiction in the series.

As with many anime that delve into sports and gambling, the dramatization can be quite pronounced. Nonetheless, Legendary Gambler Tetsuya is a must-watch.

The opening sequence of Legendary Gambler Tetsuya!

Touhai Densetsu Akagi, known internationally as Akagi, spans 24 episodes that dive into the underground Mahjong community.

Originally airing from October 2005 to March 2006, Akagi, rated for those aged 17 and above, garnered a positive reception and remains a cherished hidden treasure for anime fans. Even casual viewers have lauded its quality.

You should know from the start that Madhouse Animation Studio produced Akagi. This esteemed studio is renowned for a slew of acclaimed shonen series, including hits like Death Note, One Punch Man, Hunter X Hunter (2011), Overlord, and No Game No Life—another fantastic example of gambling-themed anime.

The narrative of Touhai Densetsu Akagi kicks off with the character Nangou, who is desperate to obtain funds to settle his considerable debt exceeding three million yen with the mafia, a predicament caused by his gambling addiction.

In a desperate attempt, Nangou challenges the mafia by wagering his life in a game of Mahjong. Just as he faces defeat, a highly skilled Mahjong player named Shigeru Akagi intervenes, and the plot twists escalate from there.

Watch Akagi to learn what happens next.

╚ Music: ReallySlowMotion - Faux Power ╚ Anime: Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai Comment and give your opinion :)

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Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji is another engaging anime produced by Madhouse that delves into the gambling underworld. The central character, Kaiji Itou, leads a rather aimless existence, predominantly spent loitering and sipping beer. His friend, who also happens to be a former colleague, tricks him into boarding a cruise ship under the pretense of resolving her gambling debts, leading to unforeseen chaos.

This show first premiered between October 2007 and April 2008, and after a three-year break, its second season aired in Japan exclusively in 2011. Unfortunately, there is no English dubbed version available.

Additionally, Kaiji has been serialized into a long-running manga that started in Weekly Young Magazine back in 2006, amassing up to 76 completed volumes.

Kaiji finds himself ensnared in a life-threatening competition where the stakes are impossibly high, and the game elements are anything but forgiving. Order now: http://bit.ly/37sk0EX Stream now: http://bit.ly/3dpRdVB

Kakegurui stands out as the only anime on this list featuring a female lead, which is a notable rarity in a genre predominantly centered around male characters. Nonetheless, Kakegurui is a premier gambling anime, a fact underscored by Netflix's commitment to producing an English dubbed version of the series.

The series narrates the story of Yumeko Jabami, who enrolls in Hyakkaou Private Academy, one of the most prestigious and affluent high schools in Japan. What many don’t realize is that as night falls, the academy morphs into a den of gambling where students refine their skills in money management, deception, and manipulative tactics.

The ruling students are those who have proven to be the best gamblers.

First aired in 2017, Kakegurui draws inspiration from its manga counterpart, which has been running since 2014.

Kakegurui is definitely the type of show you could binge-watch over a weekend.

Music - Creaky Jackals - Random

One Outs departs from the typical narrative style of most anime in this category.

The story unfolds following the journey of the unpredictable star pitcher, Toua Tokuchi, who plays a unique version of baseball known as 'One Outs' and possesses a penchant for gambling.

The narrative kicks off as Toua is recruited by the Saikyou Saitama Lycaons, the lowest-ranked team in the league. There exists a clash in philosophies between the team's manager, who strives for victory, and the owner, who fears financial loss owing to Toua’s expensive contract.

Toua cleverly proposes a deal where he will gain 5 million yen for every out he secures but forfeits 50 million yen for each run scored against him.

With only 25 episodes, One Outs aired from 2008 to 2009. This anime is filled with intense moments and is perfect for casual viewers to enjoy over a few weeks.

Aside from these titles, there are numerous other outstanding series and story arcs that explore gambling themes. These selections make for excellent viewing during a rainy day or as an alternative to a night out at the casino.

Song Strut by Adam Lambert Anime One Outs

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