Pachislot beginner's guide

Welcome to Japan!

With the increase in tourism, it has become common to see many foreign tourists in Pachinko establishments.

Here, we present an 'Introduction to Pachislot (slot machines) for Beginners,' aimed at tourists. This guide explains how to play 'Pachinko and Pachislot,' which are part of Japanese culture, and highlights important points to note.

Please read these instructions. We hope you enjoy experiencing a part of Japanese entertainment culture!

【What is Pachinko establishment?】

Pachinko is an entertainment facility with two types of gaming machines: "Pachinko" and "Pachislot"（slot machine）

Players can rent balls (for Pachinko) and medals (for Pachislot) within the establishment. Any balls or medals won can be redeemed for various prizes.

You can even find machines featuring popular anime, making these games a well-known pastime in Japan.

※Warning: By law, anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from entering Pachinko establishments.

When you enter a Pachinko establishment, first pick the Pachislot machine and the rate of play you prefer.

※Pachinko establishments often have signs saying 'PACHINCO & PACHISLOT (SLOT).'

For those new to Pachislot, machines in the 'Juggler' series, such as 'I'm Juggler EX,' are a good starting point due to their simpler systems compared to more complex Pachislot machines.

● About the betting rates for Pachislot.

There are mainly two rate types: "20yen pachislot"and "5yen pachislot". These differ in standard rates each medal.

・20 yen pachislot means each medal standard rate 20 yen

・5 yen pachislot means each medal standard rate 5 yen

means you can play 5yen pachislot with a smaller amount of money. Some pachislot also have other rates, like 10yen pachislot.

However, most pachinko primarily feature 20yen pachislot, so the newest machines might only be available in the 20yen pachislot section.

After finding a machine you'd like to play, take a seat and rent medals to begin.

Make sure the machine is actually free!

Even if a seat is empty, the player might be temporarily away (e.g., restroom, smoke break). If there are personal belongings like water bottles or items in the tray (even without medals), someone is still playing. Please do not sit at these machines.

Also, look for a 'reserved' sign, which might be hanging on the lever. Always check if the machine is available before sitting down.

● How to get medals

Just to the right of the machine,there's a medal dispenser called a 'sand.' Insert your bill here.

You can only rent medals with cash bills, so ensure you have some with you.

Once you insert a bill, the balance will appear on the 'sand' unit. Press the "貸出"＝  'dispense' button. For a 20-yen slot machine, 1,000 yen typically dispenses 50 medals.

※Please note: Most Pachinko establishments now include consumption tax in the lending system. This means you might receive slightly fewer medals than the base rate (e.g., around 46 medals for 1,000 yen on a 20-yen Pachislot machine).

Do not take rented medals home!

The pachinko balls and medals are 'rented' and belong to the Pachinko establishment. Taking them home could lead to theft charges. Exchange any leftover medals for prizes.

We'll use 'I'm Juggler EX' as an example to explain how to play Pachislot.

First, let's learn the names and functions of the machine's parts.

● Names and Roles of Each Part

① Medal Slot

The place where you insert the medals needed to play.

② MAX BET

A button that allows you to bet the maximum amount with one push (only when you have credits).

③ Lever

After a MAX BET, pulling down the lever will start the reels spinning.

④ Reels

Matching three symbols (left, center, right) will result in a payout of medals.

⑤ Stop Buttons

Buttons are used to stop the reels.

⑥ Notification Lamp

A lamp that indicates when you've won a bonus.

⑦ Credit

Displays the number of remaining medals. Maximum display is 50 medals.

※If the number exceeds 50, the difference will be paid out as medals into the tray.

⑧ 1-BET Button

A button that allows you to bet one medal at a time.

※ To maximise your chances of winning a bonus or a small win, always bet 3 medals, as betting 1 or 2 medals when the notification lamp is off reduces the probability of winning. This is the fundamental way to play.

⑨ PAY OUT Button

Dispenses medals stored in your credit.

⑩ Tray

Medals are dispensed here when your credits exceed 50.

● How to Play 'I'm Juggler EX'

Once you know the parts, it's easy:

1: Insert 3 or more medals into the medal slot (if you have credits, you can also use the MAX BET button).

2: Pull down the lever to spin the reels.

3: Press the stop buttons to stop the reels ("I'm Juggler EX" allows you to stop them in any order).

The goal of a slot machine game is to win a bonus by repeatedly spinning the reels until they stop. Each spin constitutes one completed game.

If the notification lamp lights up when you pull the lever or after you release the third stop button, you've won a bonus!

During the next game, try to align the bonus symbols (7 symbols). Achieving  "7・7・7" results in a BIG bonus, while "7・7・BAR" triggers a REGULAR bonus, and either combination will initiate the bonus game.

Keep in mind that the bonus game won't start unless the bonus symbols line up, so make sure to aim for the 7 symbols properly (try to stop the reels with the 7s within the reel window).

During the bonus game, you can play without any specific strategy ("free play") to win medals, and after the bonus ends, you can use those medals to continue playing.

Don't take the borrowed balls and medals home!

Passing your medals to friends or family to play might be prohibited.

Since the rules differ at each Pachinko, be sure to check with the staff if you're unsure.

Also, "playing multiple machines simultaneously by one person" is prohibited at all Pachinko, so definitely don't do it!

Here's what to do when you want to stop:

1: Transfer your medals to the collection box on the machine.

2: Take your medals to the counting machine, call a staff member, and have them counted.

After you finish playing, a receipt （or card） will display the number of medals you've won. This completes your session.

※Some machines may have a built-in medal counter if a collection box isn't available. Insert your medals directly into the counter for tallying.

When you finish playing, any remaining money inserted into the machine Sand can be retrieved by pressing the "返却" ＝ "refund" button, which will dispense a card holding the balance. （If the machine has an integrated medal counter, both the remaining money and any medals won will be dispensed.）

Since you can cash out the remaining balance at the in-house payout machine on the same day, try not to forget.

If you are stopping play due to a lack of medals, be sure to cash out any remaining balance. Before leaving, please check your area to ensure you haven't forgotten any personal belongings.

After the machine counts your medals, take your receipt (or card) to the prize counter and give it to a staff member to redeem for prizes.

The number of medals needed for each prize is usually displayed on it, corresponding to the rate of play. If you're unsure, ask a staff member.

Don't forget to cash out any remaining balance!

Any remaining balance on your card can only be cashed out on the same day. On subsequent days, you can use the balance to rent more medals (at the same Pachinko establishment only), but you cannot cash it out. Be careful!

※You can only rent medals at the same Pachinko .

Since there's a payout machine inside the shop, make sure to cash out any card with a remaining balance before you leave.

This concludes the Pachislot beginner's guide.

Enjoy playing Pachinko and Pachislot in Japan!

Pachinko and Pachislot in Japan!

Click here for the "Pachinko beginner's guide"!