What's Happening to Social Gaming in Japan?

[kskoog]

The current case in Japan regarding gambling and social gaming is one for the books: although certain social gamers have spent tens of thousands of dollars (in just one month of gambling!) to unlock highly rare game items, a new law would decimate much of Japan’s social game companies’ revenue streams. A recent article states that anywhere between “18 to 50 percent of [social gaming companies’] income” would be affected.

What’s Happening to Social Gaming in Japan? | Kit Guru Games

[andyg]

As you know I live in Japan. It's true that collection rare item is an obsession with a few people. Not at all healthy.

In fact gambling (casinos, fruit machines, whatever) are all illegal here, but it's also one of the countries with the most easy to circumvent said laws. It's a bit of joke really.

Pachinko for example pays winners in expensive goods and various merchandise. Right next door to every Pachinko parlor is a shop that buys those goods - for cash. One of the more quirky things about this fantastic country.

(Giving "prizes" is not illegal, neither is selling items you own) Good pachinko players can live on their winnings.