As briefly mentioned earlier, pachinko slots are similar in some ways to casino slots, but there are still some significant differences between the two. With the rise of online gambling, the popularity of pachislots outside of Asia has only recently increased and several pachinko slots have been inspired by traditional pachinko games. However, these later additions tend to be more like video slots in terms of game rules and overall design.
The most important difference you should keep in mind is that pachinko can only have three reels while video slots are known to have three, five and sometimes up to seven reels. In addition, Pachislots are known for offering very small potential wins that accumulate over time, making this game more patient than anything else. On the other hand, casino slots are known for offering a number of special symbols and features, as well as some pretty big wins that are not the norm in the world of pachinko games.
While they may seem similar at first glance, pachinko games have much less in common with casino slots than you might think. All in all a pretty unique game to try out.
Where to play pachinko and pachislots
Pachinko games are commonly found in various game parlors in Japan, with most located right next to the train station, designed to attract customers returning home from work. If you want to try the game without getting on a plane, there are a number of online casinos that offer several digital pachinko slots.
Despite being hugely popular in Asia, pachislots have only recently made their way into the Western world, including Europe and the US, and several software vendors and game developers have delved into the game genre.
You can also find several pachinko slot machines in land-based casinos, where you will definitely be paid in cash and not metal balls, since you will be gambling in an official and legal casino.
Japan Technical Games: creators of the best Pachislots
Japan Technical Games or JGT are currently the undisputed world leaders when it comes to pachinko and pachislot games. Offering a series of games that are marketed as simple and fun, this game developer has released a range of games that are easy to play and suitable for players of all levels.
Today, JGT maintains a number of successful partnerships with other game developers such as Oryx Gaming and Golden Hero, among others, creating a new generation of online slots. Generally speaking, JGT pachinko slots are generally considered to be medium to high variance games with a relatively high RTP (return to player).
The payouts are usually on the lower side and are triggered by different combinations of symbols and numbers on the reels. Typically, each of these pachislots comes with its own unique feature or bonus round, some of which can lead to a jackpot win if the gods are on your side.