15 best anime about gambling

The Best anime about gambling Are some of the most engaging and thrilling titles of the medium, with suspenseful atmospheres and captivating mind games full of surprising tricks and unexpected strategies. Whether the stakes are high or low, these titles make every psychological duel as compelling as some of the best and most memorable anime fights.

As niche as the gambling theme may seem, this medium is creative and diverse enough for creators to find a variety of ways to incorporate gambling elements into their story. From grounded stories with realistic games and palpable tension, to those distinguished by their fantastical or supernatural twists, every good gambling title leverages its dramatic setting to deliver entertaining twists and thrilling resolutions.

15

Problem children come from another world, don’t they? (2013)

Produced by Diomedéa and based on the light novel series by Tarō Tatsunoko & Yū Amano

Also known as MondayIt is an Iseka anime where 3 characters with unique abilities, Izayoi, Asuka and You, are summoned to the world Little Garden by the adorable aristocrat Black Rabbit. In Little Garden, residents are divided into communities that engage in high-stakes gamblingCompeting in challenges known as gift games, begging from territory to artifacts, so the mission of ​​the protagonist becomes to help recover a desperate small community that lost its honor, flag and name.

Even though Monday Published earlier, it was overshadowed by the popular series No game no lifewhich is based on a similar premise. This is also due to MondayS short adaptation, since only 10 episodes affected its world-building, which is better expanded in the novels. however, Monday is an entertaining anime that stands out for its charactersEspecially Izayoi’s brains to win the games and Black Rabbit’s charisma.

14

Rio: Rainbow Gate! (2011)

Produced by Xebec and based on the Rio Series of pachinko games from Tecmo

The anime Rio: Rainbow Walk was born from a promotional character for pachinko machines and follows a simple premise of ​​a dealer named Rio Rollins who works at the Howard Resort Casino and is considered “the goddess of victory,” an idol among gamblers who believe that Meeting you brings happiness. In the wagers, following her competitions to Collect the 13 gate cards to become the most valuable casino dealer

The anime is a slice-of-life in the everyday life of a casino, which will appeal to fans of fans, since Rio’s boss requires her to defeat her rivals with some revealing cosplay. However, Rio is not only looking, because she constantly proves her abilities by competing in different gambling games to get close to her mother’s legacy, which was considered one of the best dealers in the world.

13

Mardock Scramble (2010-2012)

Produced by Gohands and based on the novel by Tou Ubukata, illustrated by Katsuya Terada

Murdock scramble is a series of 3 films in the purest cyberpunk style similar to cult animes such as Game Ghost in the ShellFollowing the story of Rune Balot, an abused young girl who is “reconstructed” after being murdered by an evil millionaire named Shell. The short film trilogy is dark and violent, with heavy themes and nudity, which may be uncomfortable for some viewers; however, It is a story about humanity and the search for identity With incredible animation and complex, well-constructed characters.

While these movies have a lot of action scenes, The second combustion and the third exhaust parts are part of a casinoShowcasing its internal functioning and emphasizing the psychology and emotion presented in games like roulette and poker, as well as the high stakes and gambling tactics to have great earnings.

12

[C] Control – The Money and Soul of Possibility (2011)

Original series produced by Tatsunoko Productions

After Japan’s economic collapse, many citizens are suffering from the consequences, both unemployment and crime rate are constantly on the rise. In such a society, Kimimaro Yoga, a restless university student, dreams of nothing but a stable life. When a mysterious stranger offers him a life-changing sum of money in exchange for his “Future“, Kimimaro accepts, unaware of the fact that he is about to be pulled into the dangerous world of the Financial District, where the only way to keep his money and protect his future is by winning weekly duels called “Deals“.

[C] Control – the money and soul of possibility Shows the lengths people are willing to go to for moneySomething that has become as essential to life as the air humans breathe. Despite the sci-fi setting of the story, the characters’ approach to financial motivations is realistic, and their development is also compelling. Furthermore, the title also explores real-life economic concepts in a way that makes them simultaneously intriguing and entertaining, blending social commentary with the thrill of high-stakes gaming.

11

Yu-Gi-Oh! Season Zero (1998)

Produced by Toei Animation & Based on the Manga by Kazuki Takahashi

The little known first adaptation of Yu-Gi-Oh, Based on the beginning of the manga before the consolidation of the concept of duel monsters, different types of games were shown, which was expected, because the series name means the king of games. however, The first installment featured a darker Yami YugiBecause in his first appearances he was bigger and angrier, in every match he made a heavy penalty for the loser in a game. Shadows, where the lost were driven to madness.

This high-stakes gambling was later narrowed down when Duel Monsters gained popularitySet aside the dark games in each encounter and considerably lowering Yumi Yugi’s cruelty and the general violence of the series. However, with only 27 episodes and a short film, Yu-Gi-Oh Season Zero is a must-watch anime for fans of the franchise and those who want to see different types of games in another dimension with the intelligence of the characters in the game.

10

Kakegurui (2017)

Produced by MAPPA and based on the manga by Homura Kawamoto & Tooru Naomura

Hyakkaou Private Academy is a prestigious school attended only by the elite, preparing wealthy students for their likely predetermined careers in business and politics. However, without the knowledge of the outside, it turns into a completely different establishment at night, similar only to the most problematic gambling dens, replacing the study subjects with bluffing, deception and manipulating people. When Yumeko Jabami transfers to the school, everyone is shocked by her strange personality – she does not play to win, but rather to enjoy the thrill of gambling.

Kakegurui is easily one of the most iconic gambling animeAnd rightly so. Nothing about it is even remotely realistic, but the absurdity of the games, the stakes, and the reactions of the characters are exactly what makes it so much fun to watch. With a variety of characters who are unapologetically addicted to the risk of gambling, as well as a variety of intriguing games and scenarios that surprise viewers with unexpected resolutions, this is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining and underrated anime titles on Netflix.

9

Saki (2009)

Produced by Gonzo & Picture Magic and based on the manga by Ritz Kobayashi

Saki Miyanaga has an uneasy relationship with Mahjong, as her family would always be displeased whether she won or lost. As a result, she developed the rare skill of always maintaining a plus-minus zero score throughout the game, which should be impossible. After being dragged by a friend to her school’s mahjong club, Saki’s talent stuns her peers, and she ends up experiencing the joy of winning a proper game for the first time. With her newfound love for mahjong and a group of like-minded friends, Saki and the rest of the club aim for the nationals.

Saki Tells a surprisingly deep and wonderfully chaotic story about Mahjong. Compared to other gambling anime, it features lower stakes and much less suspense, opting for a more light-hearted approach instead, but this only serves to give it a more distinct identity. Furthermore, although most may not know it, Mahjong is officially recognized as a sport, much like chess, which makes it one of the most unusual sports anime titles.

8

Tomodachi Game (2022)

Produced by Okuruto Noboru and based on manga by Mikoto Yamaguchi & Yuki Sato

in Tomodachi gameA group of friends find themselves involved in a very evil game in which they risk both their friendship and end up completely in debt. so, The anime mixes high-stakes games for money with the value of human relationshipsRaising the question about how much people can trust in others and what they would be willing to risk for what they value.

The intrigue and the fact that the game takes place in a place completely isolated from the normal life of the protagonists gives the anime the air of a dead game, but where it really shines is in the mind games and twisted psychology of the protagonist , Yuichi. Katagiri, who gradually shows that he is not the person he thinks, keeping the thrilling expectation to see how far he is willing to go.

7

Death Parade (2015)

Original series produced by Madhouse

When people think of the afterlife, most will visualize the duality of heaven and hell. However, couples who die at the same time are not brought to any of these places, but to Quindzim, a luxury bar attended by the enigmatic bartender Decim, who also plays the role of the Fuskim – deciding whether the souls of the dead shall be. Be reincarnated or banished to the void. The catch is that, while players are convinced that the outcome of the games they play determines their fate, Decim bases its decisions on the behavior they exhibit.

Death Parade Focuses on human behavior in relation to gamblingShowing the thoughts and emotions that people experience when facing the risk of losing games that could also cost their lives. Beyond its unique premise and intriguing premise, however, it stands out as a thought-provoking title that doesn’t hesitate to discuss deep topics that are often ignored, such as existentialism, life and death, and the ambiguity of morality and the inherent difficulties of judgement.

6

The Great Pretender (2020)

Original series produced by Wit Studio

As a result of unexpected life-changing events, Makoto Edamura has to turn to petty crime for a living, reaching a point where he takes great pride in his skills as a con artist. However, when he decides to target what is a clueless French tourist, Makoto ends up as the victim instead, falling into the trap set by the more experienced Cannes artist Laurent Thierry, and unknowingly joining him and his eccentric associates in a world of fraud that Extends far beyond the scale that Makoto is used to.

Although it does not revolve entirely around gambling, Great pretender Features similar high-stakes cases and thrilling developments which are often found in gambling anime. Furthermore, gambling and betting on different competitions are activities that occur several times throughout the series, typically with the intention of showing how such activities can be linked to fraud and deception. All in all, thanks to his clever writing and captivating action, Great pretender Reminds viewers of what makes the heist genre so entertaining.

5

No Game, No Life (2014)

Produced by Madhouse and based on the light novel by Yuu Kamiya

Bored with the uninspiring daily events of life and lack of interesting challenges, stepsiblings Sora and Shiro spend most of their time dominating competitive strategy games under the name “Blank“After accepting the invitation of a mysterious stranger who is interested in their otherworldly skills, they find themselves before Tet, the god of a world named Disboard, in a place where everything is decided by games. Impressed by the would-be ruler. Sora and Shiro, from the human kingdom of Disboard, decide to save humanity.

As the title says, No game, no life Depicts a world where every decision, no matter how important, depends on games. Although it may not have gambling in the traditional sense of the word, the psychological games are just as captivating as those of the best gambling anime, and the stakes are just as high, if not higher. Having gained a cult following thanks to its interesting, colorful world and riveting strategy games, this is also one of the best isekai anime for fans who are new to the topic.

4

Legendary Gambler Tetsuya (2000)

Produced by Toei Animation and based on the manga by Fuumei Sai & Yasushi Hoshino

As a consequence of the Second World War, Japan’s economic state was drastically backward, losing a large part of the advantages they had made over the years in the form of impressive industrial plants and innovative infrastructure. In the Shinjuku of 1947, many could barely afford even the necessities, resorting to anything to survive, including gambling. Tetsuya Asada spends his days traveling to different mahjong parlors and challenging various opponents. However, after meeting Boshu, Tetsuya realizes that skill is just as important as luck.

Despite his age, Legendary gambler Tetsuya remains a compelling old-school title about the complexities of Mahjong. Although viewers who have a grasp on the rules of the game are more likely to understand and appreciate the ongoing events, anyone can enjoy the sight of a game that is progressively evolving in terms of difficulty and skill levels. Above all, the title seeks to depict the various methods that people often use to cheat when gambling, as well as how to eliminate and gain the upper hand on such players.

3

Akagi (2005)

Produced by Madhouse and based on manga by Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Suffering from a gambling addiction that has caused him to accumulate a debt of over three million yen, Nangou makes one final game to the yakuza, the result of which is to decide whether his debt is completely cleared, or if he will pay with his life . Instead. Unfortunately for Nangou, the odds don’t seem to be in his favor as the game progresses. But his luck turns around when Shigeru Akagi wanders into the mahjong parlor by chance. After learning a few rules, the young man quickly surprises everyone with his unparalleled talent and self-determination.

Despite not reaching nearly the same heights as the original creator’s more recognizable title, Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, Akagi Tells an equally compelling and suspenseful story about a genius Mahjong player Which is bound to surprise and keep viewers engaged throughout the series. For Shigeru Akagi, Mahjong is only an opportunity to explore and manipulate his opponents, as he resorts to unexpected methods, even going as far as to risk his own life, all to ensure that he can psychologically affect his rivals.

2

One Outs (2008)

Produced by Madhouse and based on manga by Shinobu Kaitani

When Hiromichi Kojima, the star batter of Saikyou Saitama Lycaons, a struggling baseball team, goes to Okinawa hoping to train, he comes across an unexpected diamond in the rough, namely Toua Tokuchi. Known for fastballs that are almost impossible to hit, Toua has made a name for himself in a game known as “one out“, which a pitcher and a batter face off with money on the line. Hiromichi managed to recruit Toua, but only with a special condition – he is to earn five million yen for each out pitched and lose fifty million for each point lost.

one out Effortlessly blends sports with gambling To tell an unprecedented story about an athlete who, despite being inferior in terms of physical strength and conventional skills, manages to come out on top due to the way he relies on his understanding of the human psyche. For Toua, pitching is not a matter of simply throwing a ball as hard as he can, but rather an opportunity to play a mind game with his opponent, reading their emotions and manipulating them as if gambling against them.

1

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007)

Produced by Madhouse and based on manga by Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Kaiji Itou lives a directionless existence, wasting his days away until a debt collector arrives and changes the trajectory of his life forever. Apparently, one of his former associates, whose loan Kaiji co-signed, was unable to repay his debt and ran away, leaving Kaiji as the only person to suffer the consequences of the unpaid loan. Told that it is an opportunity for him to make money and escape the mob, Kaiji ends up boarding a ship where debtors like him have to participate in dangerous gambling tournaments to earn their freedom back.

Despite its simple premise and distinctly ordinary art style, Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor remains an unparalleled masterpiece in the realm of gambling stories. Kaiji is a flawed but realistic protagonist, whose journey is utterly captivating and full of thrilling scenes. The series doesn’t just take on classic titles like Jojo’s Strange AdventureIn the way that every scene feels absurdly serious, but it also includes everything fans love about gambling anime, from enthralling high-stakes games to shocking revelations, making it one of the Best anime about gambling of all time.