Psychology of Pachinko

According to various studies regarding Pachinko in Japan, those who play find the most appeal in the truth that no matter how slim the odds, there is always the possibility of a “win.” Even if the rest of one’s life is undoubtedly falling apart, to go into a parlor and play a round of Pachinko is to have some chance at the taste of victory. The combination of luck and the illusion of control within the game convinces players that not only is there a chance of winning, but they’re entitled to it. In the face of failure they’re fueled to play again, until they can claim their rightful win. Thus continues the cycle of addiction to Pachinko. 

In a 1999 study, scientists found that the knowledge that one was about to play pachinko and entering a parlor, before a game even began, released higher levels of beta-endorphins. The same was true for a win, and then a winning streak, with beta-endorphins, norepinephrine, and dopamine all being produced at higher rates. Those are some pretty scientific terms, but they are, in essence, “happy chemicals” Beta-endorphins are associated with thrill and reward cognition, and are considered a crucial part of stress reduction and habit forming. Dopamine is responsible for pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation, while norepinephrine increases energy, focus, and heart rate. Basically, habitual players of Pachinko have a chemical response to the game that decreases their dependency on it, and the betting nature of the game makes it a gambling addiction.