January 19, 2015

Akahata has raised an alarm over the fact that in the past five years, more and more automated teller machines (ATMs) have been installed in pachinko (Japanese pinball-like slot machine) parlors.

Akahata on January 18 established this fact through its inquiry at the Tokyo-based Trust Networks Inc. which is promoting the installation of ATMs in pachinko parlors nationwide.

According to the company’s response to Akahata, the number of ATMs in pachinko parlors increased from 150 in March 2009 to 950 in November 2014, which means that nearly 10% of about 11,000 pachinko parlors in Japan are equipped with cash dispensers.

To put ATMs inside pachinko parlors could prompt customers to spend much more money gambling because they can withdraw their savings anytime while in the parlors.

Journalist Furukawa Miho, who works on gambling addiction issues, said, “4.8% or 5.36 million Japanese adults are said to suffer from pathological gambling. The major factor for this is the widespread presence of pachinko parlors, providing easy access to gambling.” She expressed her concern about the increase in the number of ATMs in pachinko parlors.


Past related article:
> Legalization of casinos will increase rate of gambling addiction in Japan [August 25, 2014]