Some of us might consider anime to represent a rather niche sector. Although this may have been reasonable to assume 30 years ago, times have certainly changed. Experts estimate that the global worth of the anime marketplace has now exceeded $25 billion. A few analysts even believe that it will peak at over $100 billion in the next decade.
In some ways, this type of meteoric growth is similar to the ways in which online casinos have taken the iGaming community by storm. Why not enjoy the best of both worlds? Are there any anime series that will appeal to gambling enthusiasts? Thankfully, a handful of options exist. Let’s take a look at some productions that should not be missed.
Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
This first recommendation is considered by many to be the template for subsequent gambling-related anime. Kaiji follows the story of a young man by the same name who suffers a series of unlucky breaks. As a result, he is forced to enter into a seedy underworld where gambling is rife, and violence is lurking just around the corner. Although Kaiji is by no means an expert betting enthusiast, he has an uncanny knack for extricating himself from potentially life-or-death situations, making the narrative even more interesting for viewers.
Rio: Rainbow Gate!
Although some anime for gambling fans caters to an adult audience base, this next one is perfectly suitable for the entire family. Rio: Rainbow Gate tells the story of a casino dealer who possesses the mystical ability to change luck for the better. He is involved in a competition intended to determine who is the “Most Valuable Casino Dealer”, and the story follows his exploits with a fair amount of humour. Rio: Rainbow Gate was created in 2011, and it continues to enjoy a massive audience.
Kakegurui
Some would argue that this next recommendation has gained the largest amount of online clout after it premiered on Netflix. Kakegurui involves a girl who has recently been accepted to a private school. However, there is an important catch. Unlike her fellow students, this girl does not have much money. As the entire system is based on a elitist framework, the only way to rise through the ranks is to gamble. So, the school has essentially transformed into one large casino (although without the awareness of the teachers). The main character (Yumeko Jabami) is nonetheless equipped with powerful deductive skills. She makes it her mission to defeat her peers by playing various casino games, and to ascend to the top of her class. The fact that the developers chose to employ a female as the lead character is also a nice departure from the norm.
Akagi
This is yet another creation that was able to make its way into the annals of Netflix. Officially titled Akagi: The Genius Who Descended into Darkness, the themes are somewhat darker when compared to the two titles mentioned above. The main story takes place in Japan immediately following the Second World War. As the economy is decimated, criminal organisations have risen to the surface. A young boy named Shigeru wants to battle the corrupt system, and yet, he is also considered to be a rather cold-blooded character. Shigeru must face several notorious Japanese gangsters collectively known as the yakuza. He uses cunning and psychological warfare to conquer them in the traditional game of mahjong. So, Akagi is not generally associated with traditional casino themes. This is one of the reasons why it has become so popular throughout Asia. Note that Akagi is also available for streaming at Amazon Prime Video.
Joker Game
Fans of the James Bond franchise may very well be keen to watch this final anime classic. Some feel that Joker Game is loosely based on Casino Royale, so it offers plenty of thrills and chills. The story takes place in the 1930s; this theme is often reflected in the rather gritty animations. The plot involves a fictional Japanese spy ring known as D-Group. The goal of this organisation is to embed itself within foreign countries to gain strategic intelligence. Upon returning from their respective missions, each spy will participate in a high-stakes poker game to determine which one has developed the most impressive set of deep-cover skills.
Honourable Mentions
The good news is that there are plenty of other anime films offering gambling-related themes. Be sure to research the following titles in more detail:
- No Game for Life (2014, and a film in 2017)
- Death Parade (2015)
- Kaguya-Sama: Love is War (2019-2022)
- Legendary Gambler Tetsuya (2000-2001)
You also do not necessarily have to be a fan of gambling to appreciate what each offers. Anime has always been associated with rich graphics, in-depth storylines, masterfully spun narratives, and a sense of humour entirely unique to Japanese culture. Sit back, relax, and see what unfolds!
