If you live on planet Earth, then you’re probably familiar with slot machines. But have you heard of pachislo slot machines? Here are some basic facts that you should know about them:

1. They have a long history.

These machines actually began as a Japanese game for children, in the 1920s. But by the 1930s they had developed into a game for adults. Interestingly cash isn’t legal as a direct prize for pachislo games. However, you can still win prizes such as tokens to receive more pachislo balls. Also, many businesses in Japan are linked to exchange centers where you can swap your winnings from pachislo slot machines, into cash that’s equal to a particular percentage of the actual winnings

2. They’re a cousin of traditional slot machines.

While pachislo machines are similar to sloth machines, they’re not exactly the same. In fact, they’re somewhat of a combination of pinball machines and slot machines. Here’s how they work. After you discharge a ball into the pachislo slot machines, the ball moves through a sequence of pins and then drops into slots located at the base of the machine. If the balls drop into a particular combination, then you’re a winner!

3. They’ve been updated with modern features.

Today’s pachislo machines are slightly different from the original game. This has helped to usher the game into the modern era. Like American slot machines, you can choose how much you want to bet, and start a game by pushing up or down on a lever.

Modern games also provide you with multiple chances to win! After you win by getting a series of digits or symbols lined up, you enter the “payout mode.” A gate opens up at the base of the pachislo board, which helps you to win a jackpot by shooting as many balls as you can into that gate.

4. They use a systematic method to determine odds of winning.

The “kakuhen” system is used for the majority of pachislo machines, to increase the player’s odds of winning more than once. Here’s how it works. After winning by earning certain combinations, the chance of future jackpots increases by ten.

What happens if someone wins the jackpot without achieving the kakuhen combination? In that case, the game then enters “jitan” mode. For the next 100 spins, releasing balls into the center game becomes much easier. However, if you’re not able to hit the jackpot while playing in this “jitan” mode, then the game reverts to the original mode.

Operations managers of particular establishments set the odds of the various pachislo machines much like they would adjust slot machines in Las Vegas. Some machines have better odds than others, which will encourage players to play more after seeing someone win. Also, the payouts tend to be better during holiday seasons, further encouraging pachislo players to keep returning after the holiday season is over.

If you want a new twist on an old standard, then try a pachislo slot machine. It’s definitely a fresh way to enjoy the thrill of slot machines.

By Brian Garvin & Jeff West
Learn more about Poker Chips and Casino Slot Machines from Brian Garvin & Jeff West at Poker Stars Direct.