What is the main purpose for those in Japan that use Pachislos in the parlors?

[777+15]

Since gambling in Japan is not allowed, what is the goal or purpose for those patrons that go to the Giza Strip to play pachislos. Is it just for entertainment? I assume that the patrons pay $$$ and in return they get 'house' tokens to use in the machines. When they win a Big Bonus do they trade the tokens for stuff animals and bracelets? Are any of the prizes of any value or are they mostly novelty items like cotton candy and toy cars.

I am just curious to know the main drive for the actual real life users in Japan that use these machines. For us in the US, these are for entertaining family and as a collecting hobby.

[emmadog]

Entertainment and gambling. The trinkets won are traded in at another place close by for cash.

[emmadog]

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/?fromgroups#!search/Pachinko$20/rec.games.go/FVtVZDF4Zc8

[emmadog]

Copy and paste the above link in your address bar. It's one of the best articles that I've seen on the pachinko industry.

[777+15]

Copy and paste the above link in your address bar. It's one of the best articles that I've seen on the pachinko industry.

Thanks

[emmadog]

Of particular interest to me is the section that deals with the skill aspect of these machines, or lack thereof. I always thought it was amusing when people playing pachinkos mention a skill element. There's frequently a strategy to employ but that's a completely different animal than skill. The strategy should be attempted but whether or not it happens is up to chance.