Best Gambling Anime – Exciting Animated Gambling

Article by: Nicholas Crouch - Casino Еxpert

Date Published: 09/06/22

In the world of anime, gambling is more than just a fun pastime. The games are always high-stakes and can sometimes even decide the world’s fate. If all that sounds exciting, then check out our best gambling anime blog to learn more about their intricate themes and fantastic stories.

What is the Anime About Gambling?

Anime is a term used to refer to animated shows, though it is mostly associated with Japanese cartoons. Therefore, anime about gambling refers to animated shows that contain gambling in some form. Sometimes it can be the central theme. Other times it is a side plot in an episode.
Our gambling anime list will go over some of the best shows, including a brief synopsis of their plots and where you can watch them. Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or just getting into it, you will be thrilled with the following shows. Use the quick nav below to navigate through this blog:

Top 11 Gambling Anime List for 2024

• 🃏 Joker Game (Poker in WWII)
• 🀄 Saki (Light-Hearted Mahjong Gambling)
• 💸 C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control (Responsibility and Gambling)
• 💀 Death Parade (Gambling in the Afterlife)
• 🎰 Kaiji The Ultimate Survivor (Gambling and Desperation)
• 🤵 Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku (Mahjong with Politics)
• 🎲 Doreiku The Animation (Gambling with Freedom)
• 🥊 Kengan Ashura (Gladiators and Gambling)
• 👻 Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (Fighting Poker Spirits)
• ♠️ Kakegurui (School of Gambling)
• 🏰 No Game No Life (The New World of Games)

1. Joker Game – Gambling and Espionage

We begin our look into the top gambling anime with a thrilling story about spies set in WWII. Released in 2016, Joker Game was produced by Production I.G. and is based on the popular novel written by Koji Yanagi in 2008. The novel was so well-received that it won an award and received multiple adaptations, including a film and a manga.

Set in 1937, Joker Game is about a newly formed intelligence agency called the D-Agency, which trains spies to go on missions worldwide. The anime, much like the novel, is a collection of several short stories about various D-Agency agents completing their assignments. Its story is filled with thrilling moments, such as the agency’s founder, Lieutenant Colonel Yuki, blackmailing a higher-up with a failed investigation to secure funding for his project.

Naturally, there is plenty of gambling in stories filled with spies and trickery. The first episode involves a game of poker, and the fourth even has one of the agents visiting a casino with blackjack games. It might not be a central theme, but it is prevalent within the story. Enjoy an exciting gambling anime with thrills similar to the best blackjack games.

2. Saki – A Fun Mahjong Anime

As evidenced by Saki, an anime gambling show is not always about high-stakes life or death games. Saki is an anime released in 2009 by Gonzo and is based on the popular manga of the same name. The manga was first serialised in 2006 and is still going today.

Aside from that, the franchise has had several spin-off anime and manga, video games and even live-action adaptations. Enjoy a refreshing, light-hearted story with fun gambling anime characters.

The story is about a high-school freshman called Saki Miyanaga, who is incredibly skilled at mahjong. Unfortunately, she hates the game as her parents would punish her regardless of winning or losing, leading her to develop a style where she ends up with a neutral score. However, her new friends help her discover a newfound love for the game, as she joins the mahjong club and aims to win the national mahjong tournament.

The show itself does not have gambling, aside from Saki getting candy from her parents if she wins. However, mahjong is a gambling game similar to poker, where players have to draw random tiles and aim to form four sets and a pair to win. It is a popular game with multiple variations and many top software developers, such as Play’n GO make fun mahjong themed games.

Being a mahjong player is not a requirement to enjoy the show, as it explains the rules perfectly. The show also uses plenty of special effects and dramatic moments to make the matches fun and exciting for everyone. The colourful cast of characters presents a refreshingly light-hearted story about high-schoolers playing a widely popular gambling game with many exciting anime gambling moments.

3. C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control – Betting on the Future

Some shows have incredibly long and convoluted names, so if you ever wondered ‘what is the gambling anime called?’, it is shortened to just C. Unlike the previous two shows, this is a completely original anime. It was released in 2011 with 11 episodes, with its original themes, music and art style being highly praised.

C’s plot is about a down on his luck economics student Kimimaro Yoga living in a world going through a financial crisis. He wishes to live a stable life until he meets a mysterious man named Masakaki. The man gives him 500,000 yen and transports him to an alternate reality, where people fight using monsters to win exorbitant amounts of cash. Can Kimimaro come out on top, or will he go bankrupt?

C’s themes are inspired by the 2008 financial crisis, as people gamble with all their fortunes and bet their entire lives and futures. The greater the losses in this world, the more reality shifts, sometimes even destroying entire cities. It’s a dark and fascinating show with great visuals and music while also serving as a reminder that players should always gamble responsibly and contact BeGambleAware.org if they require help.

4. Death Parade – Gambling Souls

Japanese gambling anime sometimes go beyond life, as gambling can affect the salvation of your soul in Death Parade. This show was released in 2015 and acts as a sequel to the hit short film Death Billiards from 2013. While the show has an overarching plot, each episode is a self-contained story exploring various themes and tragic tales.

As mentioned above, the plot consists of self-contained stories about souls who died simultaneously. The souls have lost their memories, and by playing various games at a mysterious bar, their life stories are revealed, allowing arbiters such as the bartender Decim to judge them. They are then either reincarnated or sent to the void. An overarching plot point is Decim struggling with his burgeoning human emotions and how to judge someone’s life properly.

The themes of this anime gambling show are fascinating and deep, with the central question being whether these people deserve their fates. There are no clear evil characters as everyone struggles to win the games, thinking it is their key to salvation. It is a thrilling show with excitement similar to the best online slots. Small wonder then that it won the 2016 “Best Original Anime” award at the Anime Trending Awards.

5. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor – Life of a Compulsive Gambler

Of the top 11 gambling anime on our list, Kaiji is undoubtedly the most influential, having inspired the gambling anime Kakegurui and even the hit TV show Squid Games. Based on the hit manga, which is still going to this day, Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor covers the first part of this thrilling series. The anime even got a sequel called Kaiji: Against All Rules, covering the second part.

The story is about a young man named Kaiji living in 1996, suffering from the Japanese recession and who has turned to a life of gambling. Unfortunately, luck is not on his side, as he has to cover a friend’s debt and either work for ten years or earn enough money after one night of gambling on a cruise ship.

Kaiji must now tackle various games, including Rock Paper Scissors with cards and races against other players. Can he finally turn his life around, or will his compulsive gambling habits send him into further debt?

Kaiji is a thrilling story about a gambler who always keeps going. Even though he experiences losses similar to the biggest lost bets in history, Kaiji keeps gambling to try and win more money. Nevertheless, he is also compassionate and frequently helps his friends with their issues at his expense. It’s a thrilling story that has spawned multiple spin-offs, videogames, live-action films and even a stage show.

6. Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku – Political Gambling

You might wonder: what is the anime about gambling with the most interesting premise? How about a political satire with mahjong?. Based on the popular 2006 manga, with a currently running spin-off, Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku: The Legend of Koizumi is a series of three short episodes released in 2010. Each episode is eight minutes long and released straight to DVD as an original video animation.

In this world, political and diplomatic issues are settled through rounds of mahjong, with the loser having to obey the winner. The anime’s first episode adapts a manga chapter, while the other two are completely original stories. Enjoy high-stakes games as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi gambles with the world’s fate against opponents, such as Chinese President Hu and even Mao Zedong.

The main draw of this show is satire, as all characters are hilarious caricatures of world leaders, such as George H.W. Bush being a giant muscular man. Despite that, there are plenty of dramatic anime gambling moments and interesting plot points that will keep you on the edge of your seat, similar to the best roulette games.

7. Doreiku The Animation – Extreme Stakes Gambling

Among the best gambling anime, Doreiku is certainly one of the most suspenseful ones. The anime was released in 2018 and adapts a manga based on a novel series currently still running. The series’ popularity even spawned a 2014 live-action movie called Tokyo Slaves. Enjoy a thrilling setting where losing a gamble could also cost you your freedom.

Eia Arakawa is a woman with incredible perception who lived a normal life until she met Yuuga Ohta. He invented a device that could turn people into obedient servants should they lose a competition. Now, this device is being used and abused by various people to enslave others and force them to do things against their will, such as sexual acts. Can Eia end this horrifying practice, or will she also lose her freedom?

Enjoy a highly suspenseful anime with incredibly dark and poignant themes. The setting may not be the most original, but the story is filled with interesting twists as the characters try to break free or steal other servants.

The games are also suspenseful and varied, ranging from rock paper scissors contests to pachinko gambling. Have fun with this incredibly fascinating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

8. Kengan Ashura – High-Stakes Gladiator Matches

Since the age of the Roman Empire, gladiatorial combat and martial arts have been popular forms of sports betting. Kengan Ashura perfectly captures the blood-soaked excitement of an MMA fight in a unique anime about gambling. Based on the hit manga by Yabako Sandrovich and Daromeon, this is a fantastic show that provides plenty of exciting moments.

In the world of Kengan Ashura, the Kengan Association is a mysterious group that settles disputes between wealthy business people through gladiatorial fights to the death. The winner takes all, and the fighters risk losing their lives. Tokita Ohma is one such fighter, aiming to win the Kengan Annihilation Tournament, while his boss plots to become the organisation’s new chairman. Can Tokita survive the gruelling fights, or will he finally meet his match?

Enjoy a fantastic series that will keep you invested in the characters from start to finish. Aside from the beautifully animated 3D fights, fans enjoy the exciting plot twists and touching character moments, including Tokita’s mysterious reasons for fighting. Unlike the other shows on our gambling anime list, this series is still ongoing, with a new gambling anime Netflix season having been announced in 2022.

9. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure – Gambling with Spirit

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is an excellent anime series that began in 2012 and is based on the world-famous manga by Hirohiko Araki. The story follows a new character in each new part, who are all connected by an absurd family tree. Using powers known as Ripple and manifestations of their fighting spirit, Stands, they go through various crazy adventures to achieve their goals and save the world.

Each part has a different plot, although some have an overarching villain and returning characters from previous parts. You might wonder how this series fits into the top gambling anime list. One of the episodes in Part 3: Stardust Crusaders involves the main character playing poker with his soul on the line. It’s an episode filled with tension, as the main character expertly uses bluffs to unnerve his opponent and win.

The sequel Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable has the new primary character challenge one of his allies to a game of Cee-lo. He uses a mysterious friend, who can turn into various objects, to cheat at the game and win by having him turn into dice. The entire series is filled with fun characters and wild moments such as this, with similar levels of excitement as the best progressive jackpot slots.

10. Kakegurui – World’s Biggest Compulsive Gambler

Its impossible to make a gambling anime list without mentioning the gambling anime Kakegurui. This fantastic series is based on the hit 2014 manga written by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Toru Naomura. It is still ongoing, alongside a spin-off prequel manga and it has even spawned a live action film and series. Kakegurui is certainly one of the most popular gambling anime.

This show is about a prestigious high school, where its rich and influential students gamble their fortunes to earn even more prestige. Those who lose become obedient pets, while the winners rise in popularity and power. But what happens when a compulsive gambler, who only gambles for thrills and has excellent perception, disrupts this system?

The show features plenty of exciting moments, as the main character Yumeko challenges students to various games. Stakes are high as the loser could pay debts for life, but Yumeko’s love for gambling often disarms her opponents who seek power. Its beautiful visuals and outstanding performance by the voice actors make this one of the best gambling anime on Netflix.

11. No Game No Life – Solving Problems with Gambling

If you’re wondering what the last anime about gambling on our list is, the answer is the exciting No Game No Life. This thrilling anime was released in 2014 and is based on a popular manga and light novel series. The vibrant colours and interesting art style make this the most visually appealing anime gambling show.

The story is about a pair of step-siblings, Sora and Shiro, who happen to be expert gamers. When they beat someone claiming to be a god at chess, they are transported to a new world where all conflict is resolved through gambling on games. After becoming rulers of the human kingdom, they aim to conquer all sixteen species in the world and help the kingdom flourish. Can they win their biggest gamble yet?

Fans of this anime praise the unique art style and great soundtrack. The games are also incredibly varied and fun, ranging from classic poker and blackjack games to chess matches. Enjoy a suspenseful story, as characters try to subtly cheat to win, along with plenty of fun characters and even some interesting references to other anime. It can certainly match the fun of the best online baccarat games.

Popularity and Significance of Anime Gambling Show

It may seem like Japanese gambling anime are a niche genre, but many of the most popular anime titles include gambling elements or games. Fans enjoy the suspense created by the exciting games, such as the detailed explanations of the rules and varied challenges. Having the characters wager, everything they have makes tangible stakes and plenty of dramatic moments.

Many gambling anime, such as Death Parade and Saki, are popular worldwide, while Kaiji’s influence can be felt in many modern anime and TV shows. Whether you’re a casual or veteran anime fan, gambling anime will provide hours of excitement with dramatic stories and exciting gambling anime characters. To find more games like those, read our LeoVegas review and explore the amazing selection of online casino games that this operator offers.

Gambling Anime Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our look into the top 11 gambling anime. Have fun with the thrilling stories that will keep you invested throughout the show, along with the great characters, beautiful animation and outstanding soundtracks. With various genres and settings, anyone can find a favourite show and enjoy an unforgettable experience, so you’ll always know the answer to the question ‘what is the gambling anime called?’

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Gambling Anime FAQ

We will answer all your pressing questions before finishing our best gambling anime blog. Learn more about these excellent shows, such as what makes them so popular and how they have influenced other media. You can even find information on where to watch the best anime about gambling for yourself.

1️⃣ What is the best gambling anime?

The best show on our Gambling anime list is certainly Joker Game Although it's a shorter show with only 12 episodes, it is an excellent spy anime similar to the great James Bond movies. Follow several short stories of various D-Agency agents as they complete missions worldwide and play poker.

2️⃣ What is the anime about gambling?

As mentioned in our gambling anime summary, this includes any anime that involves gambling motifs or gambling games. Whether it's characters playing a specific gambling game or betting their lives, gambling anime shows have various genres and stories. There's certainly no shortage of fun experiences for all kinds of anime fans.

3️⃣ What is the most influential gambling anime called?

Of the various top gambling anime, Kaiji Ultimate Survivor is the most influential. Its high-stakes games and interesting characters have influenced other popular anime, such as Kakkegurui and even TV shows, such as Squid Games. It's a fantastic show that will always keep you guessing with interesting twists and exciting games.

4️⃣ Is there a light-hearted gambling anime?

While there are many dark Japanese gambling anime, you can also find many great light-hearted shows. One such show is Saki, where a high-school girl rediscovers her love of mahjong and aims to win the national tournament with her friends. It's a fun slice of life show with detailed explanations of mahjong rules and thrilling matches.

5️⃣ Where can I watch gambling anime?

You can be certain that all the shows on our gambling anime list are available on various streaming sites. We have listed where to find them in each anime's paragraph, so you can quickly start watching. Some sites may not be available for certain regions, so check carefully before choosing your preferred streaming service.

6️⃣ What's the gambling anime on Netflix

As Netflix is a popular streaming service, you can find many excellent anime, such as Kakegurui or even Kengan Ashura and Jojo's Bizzare Adventure. While Netflix has regional differences, these shows are available internationally, so anyone can enjoy the thrilling anime gambling moments and excellent gambling anime characters. You can watch them with subtitles or dub in English.

7️⃣ Why Kakegurui is a bad gambling anime?

Some anime fans consider the gambling anime Kakegurui bad, due to a lack of tension. The kids typically have enough money to pay off their debts and Yumeko is usually unphased by her losses. However, we still recommend trying the show for yourself, as it has thrilling games and splendid character interactions.