Kotaku: Gambling

Resident Evil Pachinko Shows More Than Jill Sandwiches

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:00:00 MDT

In Japan, it's pretty common for video games to have pachinko machines. Heck! Movies, anime and manga character even get pachinko machines based on them. It's not just spinning metal balls! New pachinko machines even feature large LCD-type displays to keep players engaged. Pachinko maker Yamasa's Resident Evil machine puts poor Jill Valentine through the standard series of scares and shootings — if only for suggestive glances!

BioHazard [Yamaza via Hatimaki]

Square Enix Crushes Final Fantasy XIII Pachinko Rumors

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:00:00 MDT

In Japan, lots of video games get turned into pachinko or pachislot machines. No biggie! SNK, Sega and Konami have all spun off selected titles into pachinko parlors across the country. So when a rumor popped up that Square Enix was doing the same for Final Fantasy XIII, it did seem possible that, yes, Japan would be getting a FFXIII pachinko machine. No way! says Square Enix. In an official statement, the company says:

That is completely false information. Regarding FF, our company works very hard every day so that everyone can enjoy it as a game. There is currently no development being made [to bring FF to pachinko/pachi-slot machines].

Good, because Square Enix needs to focus on FFXIII and not other stuff.

『FFXIII』がパチンコ、パチスロに？” [Famitsu]

New Resident Evil May Take More Than It Gives

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Yes, it's another videogame franchise licensed out to adorn a pachislot machine. You've seen them before. Ridge Racer, Virtua Fighter, Fatal Fury, Beatmania, Devil May Cry...they're all the rage in Japan. This latest venture, however, might be the biggest of the lot. If only because it's Resident Evil, which gives them license to release not only a second, third and fourth machine, but they can then come back later and remake half of them, while re-releasing the other half into joints across the street.

Resident Evil infects pachislot parlors [Siliconera]

Midway Gamer's Day '08: This Is Vegas

fdemarco — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:08:00 MDT

What more appropriate setting to see the premier of Midway's This Is Vegas than Vegas itself? True, were a fifty dollar cab ride from the strip, but we got to see it virtually in the game so I suppose that's something. This Is Vegas is a balls out parody done in the tongue in cheek GTA/Bully style. Your character can explore all the parties, gambling, driving and fighting that Vegas has to offer. On display for the Gamer's Day were the fighting, partying and gambling mechanics which we checked out poolside in true Vegas style.

The fighting mechanic was pretty basic and what you would expect from this type of open world, mission based game. You can fight everyone form the local yokels and thugs to the mascots of the various casinos. I got particular pleasure out of beating the crap out of one mascot who looked suspiciously like my arch nemesis, The Burger King. By pressing X to attack, you can build up your BuzzBomb meter which, once it's filled, will give you an special move that will send your enemy flying through the air. Beating enemies down yields casino chips that can be used later to buy more clothes, cars and other goodies.

Next we moved on to the gambling portion. At the current time they have confirmed that there will be Black Jack, Texas Hold 'Em Poker and slots with other games to be announced later. I tried my hand at a Black Jack game and did pretty well. Of course, it helps that the game has a built in cheat device for each casino game. In Black Jack, the cards are marked and going into a special mode will allow you to see What's coming up next and what the other player have in their hands. but don't linger to long in cheat mode, because the pit boss is watching and if his suspicion meter fills up, you are busted.

Where game really shone was the party mode. Your character is dispatched to a club that is rather empty and you are implored by the DJ to help her bring customers in. This is accomplished through a series of mini-games like a Cake Mania-esque bar tending gig, beating up cheesy bachelors and a rather gratuitous wet t-shirt mini-game where you spray girls down with water.

My favorite part of the club scene however, was the dancing. Based on the Tony Hawk method of combos, you can make your character pull of various dance moves using button presses. The more moves you can stack up without failing, the more points you can score. If you get really good, you can even get everyone on the dance floor to follow you in a group synchronized dance routine. It was really pretty clever and I found myself thinking that in itself would make a pretty fun game.

All in all I'd have to say that the game seemed pretty fun and the dialog was amusing. The graphics looked great and the recreation of Vegas was really well done with loads of detail. However, what we saw of This Is Vegas was pretty disjointed so it was difficult to get a handle on the overall gameplay. I look forward to seeing a more cohesive version that includes the driving mechanic at this year's E3. It is expected to ship Winter 2008 for 360, PS3 and PC.

Drink Up The Evangelion Maids!

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:40:46 MST

How can Neon Genesis Evangelion coffee be improved? You guessed it, maids! Japanese beverage company UCC first released an Evangelion coffee way back in 1997 and did a follow-up last year. This time around, the cans feature characters Rei and Asuka, Evangelion's main female pilots, in maid outfits. Though! These cans will only be sold at pachinko parlors (and probably only at pachinko parlors with Evangelion pachinko machines). Branding at it's best — or worse, depending on how you look at it. Just take it as proof that, yes, maids really do make everything better.
UCC Coffee [Techinsight Japan via Anime News Network]

'Online Gaming Grows Up' - Gambling and Pyramid Schemes!

Maggie Greene — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:30:00 MST

Giant Interactive's Zhengtu has been getting some attention lately, mostly for its unholy mix of gambling, regular MMORPG high jinxs, and RMT - now they're getting ready to launch a new game, Giant Online. The hook? 500 RMB in virtual currency (almost $70) incentive to sign up and play. Steve at PlayNoEvil says:

The company portrays itself as a traditional online game firm, however, it is fairly clear that they are stretching the boundaries of online gaming and gambling ....
And, from the look of things, it is very clear that they are planning to continue pushing the limits of gambling. After all, who else is going to give you 500 Yuan (almost $70) in incentives to play? I certainly recognize this marketing pattern from the spam that floods my email box from various Internet casinos ....

The other "fun" trend is marketing pyramid schemes built around gaming. The one I've been seeing a bit of lately is uVme.

Ah, growing pains. I doubt we'll be seeing the gambling craze spreading, but one never knows.

Giant Online - You know its online gambling when.... [PlayNoEvil]

Zhengtu: Where RMT, Gold Farming and Gambling Reign Supreme

Maggie Greene — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 10:00:00 MST

I was thrilled to come across a most glorious article on Chinese MMORPGs (specifically, the wildly popular Zhengtu Online), translated to English from the original that appeared in the Southern Weekly. As Steve at PlayNoEvil sums it up, "While wimpy Americans can whine about "cheating" in online games, quibble about Real Money Transactions (RMT), complain about gold farming, gripe about power-leveling, and otherwise aspire to a mythical "purity" of game play, the most popular game in China, ZT Online, from Giant Interactive has embraced all of these things.. and online gambling to boot."

The main Southern Weekly article on ZT Online follows a gamer as she first becomes interested in the game, through her rise to power, and her eventual disillusionment with the money-sink it had become.
Woven into the narrative are descriptions of the often shockingly brazen tactics ZT Online uses to soak the "RMB gamers" who would rather spend money than grind out levels. The picture resolves into that of an online casino dressed in the trappings of an adventure game, and Shi Yuzhu [the brain behind ZT] ends up looking a lot like a shady used-car salesman.

It's a really, really great (if somewhat lengthy) article from a number of perspectives - it's one of the better mainstream media articles I've read on gaming, though not without its flaws. But as the PNE commentary points out, the fascinating thing is how it turns a lot of ideas about 'good' MMORPGs upside down ... and is reaping major rewards. From the sounds of it, I doubt we'll be seeing it Stateside, but one never knows.

Gamble your life away in ZT Online [Danwei via PlayNoEvil]

The Mah-Jong Game Maid Cafe

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 05:00:28 MST

Nothing says Christmas more than women in outfits from PS2 mah-jong title Idol Soldier Suchie Pai IV! From today until December 2nd, Akihabara maid cafe Pinafore will be all Suchie Pai'd. There will be a special menu for customers to order special cocktails, desserts and other food. And if you really want, I'm sure you can get maid wearing a Suchie Pai outfit to draw a big ketchup heart on your omelette. No, that is not a double entendre.
Suchie Pai IV Cafe [Famitsu]

Smash Bros. Brawl Caters To Voyeurs and Gamblers

Mike Fahey — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:20:33 MST

Today's update to the ever-helpful Smash Bros. Dojo website reveals Spectator mode, but it's not the spectator mode you're used to. Instead of joining a lobby with the competitors and watching them fight, Smash Bros. Brawl will continuously broadcast random games played between competitors online in a continuous broadcast that's always on. No player names will be revealed of course - just the stage and characters used. People will then be able to bet on the outcome of the matches using coins, preferably while sitting in a smoke-filled room filled with vicious cutthroats. There will be prizes to be had, and everyone watching gets stickers! WOOO! Now if you don't want your online matches broadcast you can set the "Allow Spectators" mode to no, but come on. Let us watch you. You know you like it.

Place Your Bets On Holiday Bestsellers...Literally

Mark Wilson — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:00:03 MST

Irish gambling site Paddy Power is taking bets on which video game will come out on top the week before Christmas (ending November 22nd). While most Kotaku readers surely know gaming so well that it's almost cheating, betting is off limits to US residents. Still, we had a good time looking through the odds.

The site currently favors Need for Speed ProStreet 11-10—in their eyes, it's pretty much a sure thing. Fifa 08 comes in second at 2-1 and The SImpsons game is third at 3-1. (All listings appear to be cross platform). The best odds on the list? Balloon Pop. Yup, 250:1 on that longshot...which trust us, isn't even worth the 50-cent bet you have in mind. And that 50 Cent album that just streamed into your consciousness? Also worth ignoring.

No.1 Christmas video game? [via gamelife]

Pong Slot Machine Pays Out More With Pong Prowess

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:20:23 MDT

Bally, former maker of fabulous pinball tables, has introduced something new the world of slots with its Skill Series line of machines, the first of which is based on the classic paddle game Pong. While most slot machines are based on nothing but chance, Pong breaks new ground with its skill-based pay outs. During a 45-second bonus round, a random occurrence, gamblers will be able to play a round of old school Pong. Performing better naturally gives you a higher pay out. Even if you're clueless behind the paddles, you'll still get something, but power Pong players may walk away with a bit more of their cash.

Reader Jason spotted a row of the new machines on the floor of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, testing his Pong skills and sending us potentially drunken pics. The skill-based slots are slowly being approved in states that permit legalized gambling, with manufacturer Bally promising a follow up with a Breakout based slot machine.

If only they had one based on the arcade game Shinobi and not that horrid PlayStation 2 abomination I'd be a 7% richer man.

Virtua Figher Ready to Kick Pachislot Ass

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 04:00:56 MDT

The granddaddy of 3D fighting games, Virtua Fighter, is getting its own pachislot (think pachinko meets slots) machine. Not surprising as SEGA Sammy Holdings is in the pachinko business. The machine isn't set to hit Japanese pachinko parlors until this December. Until keep in mind that pachislots, just like Virtua Fighter, is all about timing — not to mention winning, too.
Virtua Fighter Machine [Fields]

Cryptologic Buys Stake In Chinese Company 568

Maggie Greene — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 14:30:07 MDT

568 Inc. is a China-based company that has developed card and casual games for the Chinese market, as well as a couple of MMORPGs that I've not seen any press about, and Cryptologic (a company specializing in casino software) has just bought a stake valued at $1.2 million in the company. A lot of Western companies have been trying to make the leap to the potentially really, really, really lucrative Chinese market; the difference with Cryptologic is that they're going after the 'skill based games' sector instead of your average MMO addict. PlayNoEvil notes that this just further blurs the market between online gaming for fun and gaming for profit, and could perhaps open the industry up to more stringent regulation (as if they need it in China).

The agreement enables 568 Inc. and CryptoLogic to establish a new China-based venture that will develop and distribute casual, skill-based games for the local and overseas Chinese-language markets. Games will include single- and multi-player mahjong, poker, online pool, puzzle challenges and approved card games including Chinese poker variants.

Having listened to majiang addicts shuffle their tiles for hours on end (alone, at 4 am, so they can learn the feel of the tiles by nothing more than touch), I'm not sure they need any more ways to gamble away lots of money - though I suppose it will save their neighbors from the sound of swirling tiles, which are louder than you'd probably think.

CryptoLogic Makes Strategic Investment to Further Asian Strategy [Yahoo Finance via PlayNoEvil]

Some New Offerings For the Skill Gamers Among Us

Maggie Greene — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 15:30:29 MDT

PlayNoEvil keeps an eye on skill gaming - playing for cash, and (usually) in a different category than straight up gambling - and points to SkillGround, which has some new offerings, including a fighting game, a FPS, a racing game, and more in the pipeline. Of course, with money comes problems - particularly because some of these games are particularly vulnerable to all manner of bots.

There are some interesting risks for online skill games. First, "turn-based physics" games like golf, darts, and pool are very conducive to "analytic bots" that find optimal shots or allow players to test shots before they take them.
Second, these games can face serious threats from automated play bots. The "twitchy-er" the game, the more vulnerable it is going to be to botting.

... and unlike regular game models, there is a powerful incentive to attack these games.

He also notes that there's a lot of potential in this market for game types, as well as having a potential impact on the market as a whole. I don't really get the appeal of most forms of gambling/betting/etc., but I suppose if you're looking for a way to bring in some cash (or lose a lot of it) while playing games, it's one option to look into.

Skillground gains ground in expanding Skill Games - Launching on Skllbet.com portal [PlayNoEvil]

Life is Unfair, Games Are Not

Mark Wilson — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:20:22 MDT

Activision's James Portnow has written an excellent article examining the nature of fairness in videogames. He argues that videogames are quite fair in rewarding gamers during play. But in order to take the medium to the next level (no pun intended), games must become more like the unfair life that they emulate. Explaining that unfair often equals a boring or frustrating experience for gamers, Portnow offers one type of gaming that is both unfair AND addictive: gambling.

...we know games can be unfair and yet immensely appealing. Almost every gambling game is weighted and yet gambling games have been popular for millennia. Indeed, gambling games which are not weighted soon lose their appeal (try betting on coin flips with a friend).

I would argue, however, that gambling videogames aren't nearly as addictive than their real counterparts because addiction to gambling is an emotional high—not from winning—but almost losing. And with videogames, no matter how they are designed, the player has nothing tangible to lose but their time...which was sort of gone as soon as they booted up the console. Thoughts?

Game Design: Is Fairness Really Fair [nextgeneration]

MMO Operators Could Break Laws In the UK?

Maggie Greene — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 11:00:54 MDT

Not if they have the appropriate license come September, but with a gambling law getting its final update at that time, MMOs that have competitions or offer prizes may be classified as 'online gambling' and subject to the same laws and penalties as more traditional forms. With all the chatter in the US and elsewhere about where MMOs fit into the overall scheme of online gambling (or not), it will be interesting to see how companies start to navigate the water. In the US, for example, 'games of skill' are - for the most part - exempt from gambling regulations; this is not the case with the new UK law.

... MMO operators can avoid any potential penalties by obtaining an operators' licence from the Gambling Commission.
"This is not a simple task, but it is also not overtly complex. The key is to satisfy the Commission that you have in place an operation that satisfies the requirements and key objectives of the new law."

These include commitments to ensuring fair and open gambling, the protection of children and other vulnerable persons and the prevention of links between gambling and crime.

I just have a hard time equating any MMO competition with playing poker or betting on the ponies.

MMO operators at risk of breaking law from September [GamesIndustry.biz via PlayNoEvil]

Nothing Says Gambling Like Ninjas And Zombies

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 05:00:03 MDT

Why play for points and achievements when you can play for more important things? Things like money. A new slot machine based on the Sega PS2 game Shinobi has popped up at casinos. Good thing readers Aaron and Joel sent us pics of the swank set-up. Joel was nice enough to include a single pic of slot House of the Dead EX — which, according to the machine, has exactly 243 ways to win. (And probably a gazillion ways to lose.) Brian Ashcraft

Devil May Cry Reinvisioned as Pachi-Slot Machine

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 22 May 2007 23:00:07 MDT

Japanese companies like Sega, SNK and Capcom know that video games aren't the only show in town. To make money, you've got to promise players the faint chance of getting more than points. What better way to do that with pachinko slot machines? Here's a Devil May Cry 3 pachi-slot machine from a few years back. Cool, but it's got nothing on the Gamera: Guardian of the Universe pachi-slot I saw a few years back. Brian Ashcraft

Devil May Pachi-Slot [Siliconera]

Illinois Passes "Video Games" Gambling Bill

Kim Phu — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:40:00 MDT

Don't quote me on this, but when they say "video games", I think this bill is talking about allowing video gambling machines similar to those legal in the UK (fruit machines and the like), not necessarily the consoles sitting under or around your television as we speak. However, the article, including its headline, includes the phrase "video games", which makes this recently passed Illinois gambling bill confusing:

HB 1124 (which on Wednesday passed both houses of the Illinois Legislature) will legalize video gambling in bars. That may sound harmless to some, but it is not.
Children have grown up playing video games. Adding the element of cash and prizes will make the activity even more attractive to young adults. Many will become addicted to gambling.

HB 1124 legalizes gambling on video games "simulating contests" in bars, restaurants, convenience stores, bowling alleys and truck stops.

The bill defines a bona fide contest as being between two or more individuals. Hundreds of thousands of such "contests" could be played each year in every community statewide.

While HB 1124 states that card games are not included, this type of gambling will expand in increments. Gambling interests will come back each year until video poker is legalized in every community.

HB 1124 will make it impossible to police these establishments to determine if illegal gambling is going on. Gamblers will expect a "payout" on all video machines in bars, convenience stores, bowling alleys, restaurants and truck stops.

But basically, if you wanted to start your own console gambling ring, I guess all you'd have to do is lug your machine to any Illinois bar, restaurant, convenience store, bowling alley, or truck stop with a wi-fi connection and go crazy. It's so easy! Kim Phu

Bill allows gambling on video games [Daily Southtown]

"Mature" Game Hitting Sees Dual DS And PSP Action

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 08:00:05 MDT

Slapped with Japan's equivalent of ESRB's "Mature" rating, the Chuuka na Janshi Tenho Painyan: Remix is not a sex game. I repeat, THIS IS NOT A SEX GAME. Rather, it is intended for Japanese players over the age of 15. The game is a portable take on the PS2 incarnation, and the characters were created by famous character designer Kenichi Sonoda. The portable versions go on sale in late June, and like I said, this is not a sex game. Haven't played the original, and I imagine its fairly standard stuff for mah-jong games. Still, don't be surprised if you can use the touch pen in novel ways. Brian Ashcraft

New Mah-jong Game [Ore Teki Game]
Tenho Painyan [Official Site]

FBI Checks Gambling In Second Life

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 07:00:15 MDT

SL creator Linden Lab says:

We have invited the FBI several times to take a look around in Second Life and raise any concerns they would like, and we know of at least one instance that federal agents did look around in a virtual casino.

It's hard to judge the scale of gambling in SL as the biggest poker casinos are making a mere $1,500. The US government has not made a decision on whether virtual gambling with virtual money is legal — Even if SL's money can be exchanged for US dollars! Apparently, Linden could even face criminal charges under American anti-gambling statutes that say "something of value" is wagered. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which was passed last year, targets credit card companies and other electronic funs transfers that make internet gambling possible. Linden could be held to that statue. But it gets tricky: Things like whether a 3D sim casino is actually the same as a casino. According to Sean Kane, a lawyer who has studied the virtual world legal issues:

If you're buying money on the Lindex (a virtual currency exchange) and utilizing it for gambling purposes, Linden could have a much higher level of responsibility. If they would be found in violation, that's difficult to say, but I can see a much stronger case being made.

Right now, it seems like the current system is like Japanese pachinko in which players play for metal balls. Those metal balls are then sold for actual money. But doing this, the pachinko industry is able to escape being labeled as "gambling" in Japan as it is technically illegal. Whether or not the US government will be as tolerant as the Japanese remains to be seen. Brian Ashcraft

SL Casinos [Reuters]
Storm Trooper [Danny Choo]

Space Invaders Mahjong

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 03:00:40 MDT

While we hate to post eBay stuff, this is too good to pass up: A Space Invaders mahjong set. Know that in Japan mostly men play mahjong. Men who smoke. And like Space Invaders, apparently. Brian Ashcraft

Space Invaders Mahjong [eBay via Siliconera]

Quebec Uses Gaming To Warn About Drugs, Sex and Gambling

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 07:00:51 MDT

Potions that cure herpes? Amnesia spells that help you pickpocket? If only! Canadian resident Frederic sent us a link for Quebec campaign to curb drugs, unprotected sex and gambling. The campaign is called "You Only Have One Life" and incorporates gaming so that the kiddies get the message. (The kiddies love gaming, or so we hear.) There's a website, which has all the spots. Basically, they show young people getting into trouble and then making Final Fantasy-type reference like that they're going to reset their health or take a potion. Fairly sophisticated and slick as hell, but still guilty of showing gamers out of touch with reality. For our non-French speaking readers, Frederic was kind enough to translate the clips. All of them at that! Hit the jump for that.

Le Rave (The Rave)
Girl: (giggles) What are you doing? Genevieve? Okay, Okay, everything is gonna be okay. HEEEEY! Can you hear me? Stay with me! Ok, we're gonna put your Lifebar at 100%, backstep, and go back to the first level, okay... We'll start the night properly...

Advertiser's Voice : In real life, you can't go back. You only have one life dot com.

La route (The road)

Teen1: What the hell? Didn't you see the stop sign?

Teen2: Hey, i wasn't concentrating, okay!

Teen1: Dude, you smoked way too much.

Teen 2: Oh no! Do i have red eyes?

Teen1: Coming, he's coming. What do we do now?

Teen 2: Ok, I only have to use my potion that i obtained in the last level, and can come back into normal mode.

Advertiser's Voice: In real life, the effects can't disapear like magic, you only have one life dot com.

La clinique (the clinic)

Doctor: Sooo... The results of the examination of your tests are clear....you have genital herpes. They are treatments that can help but you cant heal.

Teen: Pffff, no problem. All i have to do is take my healing antidote, and that will make it.....will make it like i never had it...

Advertiser's Voice: In real life, you're not invinsible. Use a condom. You only have one life dot com.

L'appart (The pad)

Guy: Are you safe?

Girl: Yeah, yeah, probably.

Guy: Probably!?

Girl: Look, i'll just have to find a heal pack somewhere and we ll put our health level back to 100%, so that way we'll be sure, alright?

Advertiser's Voice: In real life, only a cndom can make you sure of it. You only have one life dot com.

Le Party (the party)

Girl: What are you doing!?

Guy: Nothing

Girl: Sam, you promessed me you wouldn't gamble anymore.

Guy: Alright, look, I'm throwing an amnesia spell at you, so it's like you never saw
anything.

Advertiser's Voice: In real life, your gambling problems don't go away that easily. You only have one life dot com.

Gambling problems? How about STEALING problems? Brian Ashcraft

Watch The Clips [You Only Have One Life]

Subliminal Messages In Konami Slots

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 23:00:18 MST

No, they weren't "Buy New MGS" or "Castlevania 4 Evar." Canadian authorities have pulled 87 Konami slot machines due to a subliminal message that appears. The Toronto Star writes:

As the screen spins 30 to 40 times a second, it flashes a jackpot-winning combination.
The jackpot symbols are invisible to the naked eye during normal play, but can be seen when the animation is slowed down. That raises concerns that gamblers might continue playing because they subconsciously believe they are about to win the jackpot.

Subliminal messages? (READ KOTAKU) Nobody does that anymore. (READ KOTAKU) Affected machines include Most Wanted (READ KOTAKU), Sgt. Fritter (READ KOTAKU) and The Billionaries (READ KOTAKU). Good to know. Brian (READ KOTAKU) Ashcraft

Konami In Trouble [The Star, Thanks Burton!]

Gambling Fun With Donkey Kong

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 22:00:01 MST

That's not a video game. It's a medal game. Donkey Kong Banana Kingdom has players stuff coins down chutes in hopes of winning more coins. It's like gambling, but not! And it comes courtesy of Capcom and Nintendo. Brian Ashcraft

Donkey Kong Machine [Japan Probe via Dark Diamond]

Tetris Lottery

Brian Crecente — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:00:03 MST

Reader Rannie sends word of this sweet looking Tetris Lottery scratch-and-lose game being sold in Ontario, Canada.

I love how this thing looks, but it's got to be one of the most convoluted scratch-and-win games I've ever seen. I can't really tell what he's scratched off and what he hasn't. Brian Crecente

Tetris Lottery Tickets [Photo Junkie]

Pro-Gamer Kills Self Over Gambling Debt

Brian Crecente — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:30:47 MST

Kyle Orland over at Joystiq points to this sad story of a pro-gamer in Sweden who recently killed himself after accruing massive debts from online gaming.

Christian "divino" Sellergren, the 21-year-old who led Team Eyeballers to the 2004 CPL Counter-Strike championship, transitioned from pro-gaming to online gambling eventually losing his job and $13,000 to his addiction.

Sellergren was found dead by his parents on Nov. 3. His parents recently talked about the death to a Swedish newspaper, according to website MeetYourMakers, who provided this translated summary of the interview:

Christian bet everything he had on online poker and lost. He lived a double life that his parents didn't know anything about. But it saddens his parents to know that he chose to leave it all behind, when they could help him to solve the problem.
The life that his parents knew about was that he had a job, an apartment, a girlfriend and tons of friends. However the part of his life that they didn't know about was that he had actually lost his job, because he was gambling there too. When his parents called his job, they where told that he hadn't been working there for few months, but the parents had been picking him up there still. When his parents turned on his computer, they found tons of icons and links on his desktop to online poker sites. After couple of days after his death, a letter came about throwing him out of the apartment.

Divino was as many of you know, the manager of the team that won the CPL Summer Championship in 2004, Sweden Eyeballers. He got to travel to The US. got to ride in limos and live in luxury hotels. A few things not many people have experienced.

Christian had over 200 000 Swedish Kroner (About 18 144 Euro or 13 867 American Dollars) in loans from the bank, with these loans he also bought a car, though he didn't have a drivers license. He also loaned some money from his parents which the deal was that he would pay some of it back each month. However in November he called to say that something didn't go right when he tried to wire it over to his parents, but he later got it transferred. But his parents learned that he had actually loaned the amount he was supposed to transfer to them from a friend. The rest of the money he loaned from them disappeared in online gambling.

His mom said that she was mad and felt kind of betrayed that he chose that way out and didn't come to them and talk to them about it, why didn't they get to help him? But she also tells Aftonbladet that she as his mother feels that they are at fault that they didn't see that he wasn't doing so well.

MYM has the full story. It's tragic whenever someone takes their own life. There's always a way out, no matter how bad things get. Always. Brian Crecente

"Gambling Claimed His Life" [MYM]

Play For Perkiness With Aya Matsuura

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:22:48 MST

Cute gambling? Pachi-slot (Japanese pachinko cross-bred with slots) once again gets all kawaii thanks to pop star Aya Matsuura. For better or worse, the singer, known as "Ayaya," pretty much embodies saccharine J-pop. Anyway, the game's called Hisshou Pachinko Pachi-Slo Kouryaku Vol. 8 Matsuura Aya, and for many might make up for the can't-win-any-cash-from-a-PS2-game aspect. Me, I'd take money. Brian Ashcraft

Aya's Game [Game Watch Impress]

Gambling Site Taking Bets on PS3 Launch

Brian Crecente — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 11:00:39 MDT

Gambling site Bodog has odds up for the Playstation 3 launch.

While I'm intrigued, I think the person setting the odds and deciding on the bets needs to do a little more homework. The site still has bets up on whether the price will be changed before launch and whether the console will get approval by the FDA before launch.

The only really interesting bet was on which game will sell the most copies on launch day. Bogdog has Madden as the favorite, followed by Need for Speed Carbon and then Resistance: Fall of Man. Sonic and then F.E.A.R. rounded out the list, with F.E.A.R. fetching 19 to one odds.

What they really need to do is set odds for PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 console sales in November. That would be interesting Brian Crecente

Mahjong... With Bikinis (Or Vice Versa)

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 09:21:03 MDT

In Japan, mahjong is largely a male preserve. Thus, explaining game publisher D3's bikini-wearing, tile flipping gambling-slash-floor sweeping bonanza. Dubbed THE Dokodemo Gal Mahjong, the game is a PSP version of the Simple 2000 title Love * Mahjong. The game offers a chance to chit-chat with your virtual competitor, an array of customizable costumes, and "Service Time" in which the female characters are given tasks that need completion. Call it a hunch, but no doubt the game's producer pitched this as "Dead or Alive meets mahjong." Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Game Watch Impress]

Oh, So That's What's Up With Those Hentai Gambling Games

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 08:22:43 MDT

GameSetWatch points to a blog written by a Western working in the Japanese gaming industry. Called Japanmanship, this fascinating blog is penned by "JC Barnett," and provides insight on the industry in Japan and even offers advice on how to get industry jobs. The insights are what really glow. Take this tidbit:

I was once shown, by a lamenting boss, a new release of a hentai mahjongg game. Imagine it: a simple mahjongg structure would require one or two programmers at most... One such game, for PC, retails for as much as 8,000 Yen (approx. US$70, 55EU). Considering handheld games are about 3 to 4 thousand US$25-35, 20-25EU) and console games 5 to 6 thousand US$45-50, 35-40EU that is a pretty decent profit margin considering the vastly lower budgets and shorter schedules compared to "real" games.

And thus, the motivation behind all those cheapo mah-jong, pachi-slot games is explained. And that motivation is laziness. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [GSW]

Hey Belgian People! Scratch Pac-Man, Win Money

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 13:24:35 MDT

The Belgium National Lottery will start selling Pac-Man scratch cards next Monday. Each will cost 2,50 euros and offer prize money up to 60.000 euros. This is the first time for Belgium to have a lotto with a video game theme, but not the first for Pac-Man. Namco really knows how to cash in on Pac-Man. Literally. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Shizzle Games] Thanks, Karsten!

Pac-Man Lotto Gobbles Up Your Money

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 05:22:25 MDT

There are some who never give up. Florian, for instance, is relentless and still hasn't got more than a frosty "slog off, matey!" out of Eliza. He has better chances of winning this Texas Lottery Pac-Man scratch off. Match numbers to win up to US $25,000 or reveal a Pac-Man symbol and win a Pac-Man cocktail table arcade game. If I was 13 years old and if the year was 1982, that *might* be cool. Florian, though, is sadden to learn this lotto is open only to Texans. Yee-ha! Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Texas Lottery] Thanks, Matthew!

Ka-ching! Highest Prey Slot Score

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 04:20:42 MDT

Gamer Cyblue got the highest score possible in the slot-like bar games in Prey for the Xbox 360. He scored a whopping $999,000,000. Repeat that in Vegas, Cyblue, and we'll really be impressed. Brian Ashcraft

Sega Retro Fruit Machine

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:22:44 MDT

Sega Wiki UK Resistance turned up this purdy Sega slot machine from the 1960's. Just look at that groovy font! Those metallic edges! Screw consoles, thank gawd Sega still makes Japanese slot machines. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [UK:R]

Tomb Raider and Hitman Branding Coming to Casinos

egauger — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 16:40:00 MDT

British published SCi has announced that it will extend licenses for Hitman and Tomb Raider to a whole slew of gambling franchises, both online and in delicious meatspace:

Lara Croft and Agent 47 will be adorning gambling products, including video slot games both online and offline, created by gambling software provider Microgaming, in a deal which extends Microgaming's previous licensing of the Tomb Raider brand.

As if Lara wasn't enough of a slot already. Although this raises a question I've had for a while now: is there a sizable crossover between we video gamers and who I like to think of as "mundane" gamers, those who play Solitaire and Bejewelled and online slot machines? I dabble in dinky games, especially when there's nothing else around, but always figured folks who played Tomb Raider and comparable titles were unimpressed with dorky online casinos. I know I am.

(as an aside, the results I got when Googling "Lara Croft slot" were far less interesting than I expected.) Eliza gauger

More [GamesIndustry.biz]

Million Dollar Pot For Playing Casual Games

ataylor — Thu, 18 May 2006 15:00:00 MDT

And you thought the big bucks was all in Counter-Strike.

SkillJam are offering up a million dollars cash pot for the winner of the (they claim) first ever million dollar prize for casual gaming.

Be warned, this contest does come from a pay-to-play site; we're filing this under gambling rather than a pure skill contest because of the fees involved. However, if you're into that sort of thing and you're wicked good at all three of Bejeweled 2, Solitaire and Zuma, that's not a prize pot to be sniffed at. Read the T&C's here.

Pop quiz: would you file tournament level Poker under 'casual' or 'hardcore' gaming? —Alice Taylor

Win A Mill At Casual Games [via GameZebo]

Rio After Kasumi's Crown

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 06:22:30 MST

For gamers, Tecmo's got Kasumi. For gamblers, they've got Rio. Even though Miss Rio has her own DS game, PS2 game and pachi-slots, she's nothing but a pretty face. I really wish Tecmo or Team Ninja would provide some half-assed rational for this flat-out sexploitation.

Order Rio Goodies Here [Tecmo]

Gundam DS Gambling Fun

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 06:20:51 MST

With 99.9 percent of all Mahjong video games featuring bikini girls, it's nice to see one with robots. Make that, Gundam robots. Combining a card game, cutesy characters and gambling, this mecha-inspired game reeks of smash hit. Haro Ichiza Gundam Mahjong will be out December 29th, just in time for New Year's binge drinking. Oh boy, oh boy.

Official Website [Haro-Ichiza]

No Casinos, Gambling in World of Warcraft

lsmith — Thu, 17 Nov 2005 15:02:18 MST

Dueling for gold is popular on most servers, but from time to time, someone is a bit more innovative than that. The player-created version of Bingo, outlined, detailed and completely shown over at Not Addicted was squashed like a bug beneath Blizzard's corporate boot. The only fun to be had in WoW is Blizzard mandated fun? Wtf.

Thanks Walkerings!

Bingo in WoW [Not Addicted]