Best Anime Shows about Gambling Posted Jun 25, 2024
Despite being bashed like a decade ago and also not being a popular entertainment form, anime shows have continued to become so popular. This has influenced streaming giants like Netflix to begin producing anime in order to have a share of this growing market.
In fact, Netflix identified that over one million households watched at least one anime title on its platform between October 2019 and September 2020. The appeal of this genre could be attributed to its unique art style and exceptional storylines.
In industries like iGaming, the trend hasn't been different. In just 2017, the release of Netflix's Kakegurui hit the waves with its over-the-top-gambling events, drawing millions of fans to the genre.
Thankfully, there are thousands upon thousands of other gambling anime for you to explore. Whether you love participating in table games like blackjack or conventional slots, there is something relatable for every gambling fan.
This article has compiled some of the top gambling anime to scratch the itch in case if you're wondering where to start. So, buckle up and let us get into the adventure.
Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler
Composed of 12 episodes, Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler aired for about three months in 2017. Still, though, you can watch this anime on Netflix and be exposed to several themes, including games, school, compulsive gambling and so on.
Kakegurui, set in Hyakkaou Private Academy, drew inspiration from a gambling manga written by Homura Kawamoto. At the private academy, the gambling skills of the learners are what sets them apart – they determine what kind of future leaders or professionals students will be.
Odd as this is, the school requires that every student come with their own money, which, upon gambling, determines whether they'll be triumphant or subjugated to the rest. It's during these bizarre events that Yumeko Jabami joins the plot. Yumeko is different – she hasn't joined the school to gain any social status, only that she gambles compulsively for pleasure.
Contrary to the school's established hierarchy of gambling for gain, Yumeko only wants to fulfil her gambling passion – no matter the risk. However, this leads her into trouble as the school considers her an enemy, though she has many tricks up her sleeve.
Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
This 26-episode anime TV series aired for almost seven months, starting towards the end of 2007 and ending in April 2008. However, fans can still follow the series' plot on Crunchyroll. Interestingly, Kaiji had already made appearances back in the '90s as a manga by Nobuyuki Fukumoto.
Madhouse then picked the franchise and integrated it into what is now the Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor. As this series became a critical success, Nippon TV was inspired to air a sequel, Kaiji: Against All Rules.
Audiences across different divides massively welcomed the continuation, which encouraged the conversion of the franchise into a live-action film trilogy. Kaiji, the trilogy's first movie, was released during the last quarter of 2009.
Later, in November of the same year, Kaiji 2 followed, after which Kaiji: Final Game was released nine years later. And, of course, the ultimate guess as to why this show has persisted for years is its plot.
Kaiji Itou, the show's protagonist, is, in most instances, drunk. He has an ill-meaning friend who tricks him into borrowing a lump sum amount of money that gets him off-balance.
Kaiji has now joined an illicit gambling ring on a cruise ship to get back on his feet. By exploring themes of gambling debts seen in the life of Kaiji, this series makes its plot engaging and relatable, keeping audiences hooked.
Legendary Gambler Tetsuya
Legendary Gambler Tetsuya, which initially debuted as a manga series, The Legend of the Gambler: Tetsuya, in 1997, was televised between October 2000 and 2001. Written by Fumei Sai, this 20-episode series follows the story of Tetsuya, an ardent gambler in Japan after World War II. He plays mahjong in Shinjuku City and never mind using all his know-how to win.
Unlike in other gambling animes where clever mind games are used to gain victories, Tetsuya is okay with cheating, especially when he gets an opportunity. His philosophy is that you're cheating only when you get caught – otherwise, cheating is a winning strategy.
Legendary Gambler Tetsuya became both a commercial and critical success and had over 16 million copies in circulation by late 2019. During the early 2000s, the anime received its 23rd Kodansha Manga Award under the shonen category.
Gambling anime provides a rich tapestry of psychological drama, strategic thinking, and high-stakes tension. Whether it's the desperate survival games of Kaiji or the thrilling school duels of Kakegurui, these series offer a unique viewing experience. They explore the depths of human nature, the allure of risk, and the complexities of strategy, making them compelling for those intrigued by the world of gambling.
