Top 10 Anime Series with High-Stakes Gambles and Quirky Aesthetics
Get ready, gamblers! Animeland has plenty of thrilling and twisted gambling stories up its sleeve. Here's a list of some of the best gambling anime to keep you entertained, whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned fan.
1. Kakegurui
Stream it: Netflix
Welcome to the elite Hyakkaou Private Academy, where scholarly achievements mean nothing compared to gambling prowess. Transfer student, Yumeko Jabami, with her gambling addiction and knack for mind games, quickly rises through the ranks of her fellow students. Using her compulsive risk-taking to her advantage, she outwits and outplays her ruthless opponents in various gambling games. Kakegurui is a must-watch for any gambling anime enthusiast.
2. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
Stream it: Crunchyroll
Get ready for a dark and brutal rollercoaster ride. Kaiji Ito is a down-on-his-luck loser who discovers he's in debt because he co-signed a loan. His only option? Board the mysterious gambling ship Espoir for a night. With high stakes games, betrayal, and murder, Kaiji is an essential gambling anime that combines suspense, action, trickery, and psychological warfare.
3. Saki
Stream it: Crunchyroll
Prepare for a more lighthearted take on the gambling world. Saki Miyanaga, a mahjong prodigy, has spent her entire life playing the game under duress from her family. After joining her school's mahjong club, Saki begins to find joy in the game and competes at increasingly high levels.
4. Legendary Gambler Tetsuya
Stream it: Currently unavailable for streaming. Check your local library!
For a blend of gambling and history, check out Legendary Gambler Tetsuya. Set in post-World War II Japan, Tetsuya uses mahjong to survive in the harsh economic conditions. As his skills develop, he becomes a legendary gambler.
5. Death Parade
Stream it: Crunchyroll, AppleTV
In the afterlife, souls gamble for their existence in this metaphysical take on gambling. As a bartender in a watering hole for the dead, Decim decides the fate of souls by determining if they will be reincarnated or destroyed. Things take a turn when Decim is allowed to develop human emotions, leading him to question his purpose and the true nature of justice.
6. Rio: Rainbow Gate
Stream it: Prime Video
Rio Rollins, known as the "Goddess of Victory," has the ability to improve anyone's luck just by walking near them. Working at the Howard Resort casino, Rio learns she's been chosen to compete for the title of Most Valuable Casino Dealer. Rio: Rainbow Gate is notorious for its exploitative excess, but some find its kitschy charm irresistible.
7. Yu-Gi-Oh!
Stream it: Prime Video
You might already know of Yu-Gi-Oh!, the popular franchise that started as a manga series. The original series centers around Yugi Mutou, a timid boy who becomes host to a gambling spirit. With a mix of strategy and mythology, Yu-Gi-Oh! is an engaging entry in the gambling anime genre.
8. No Game No Life
Stream it: Apple TV, Hulu
Sora and Shiro, master gamers revered online, are transported to Disboard, a world where all conflicts are resolved through games. As they conquer various kingdoms, Sora and Shiro become known for their unique strategies and psychological insights. If you enjoy ecchi anime with overt sexualization, No Game No Life is worth a watch.
9. C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control
Stream it: Apple TV
Kimimaro Yoga is a student who finds himself drawn into the Financial District, a parallel world where people can gamble their future for potentially massive payouts. With its exploration of modern Japanese life and fantastical elements, C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control offers a unique blend of low-stakes and high-stakes gambling.
10. Tomodachi Game
Stream it: Apple TV, Crunchyroll
Tomodachi Game is a psychological thriller that follows Yūichi Katagiri and his friends as they're forced into a life-or-death game. In this dark gambling anime, the competitive spirit becomes an enemy, and trust, friendship, and identity are tested to their limits.
"Kakegurui's gambling games provide an exciting blend of suspense and mind games, making it a compelling addition to your entertainment lifestyle. With Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, you won't just watch a dark rollercoaster ride; you'll be part of it."
"If you seek a lighter take on gambling, Saki offers a heartwarming story of a mahjong prodigy finding joy in the game, adding a touch of sports-like competition to your diversified entertainment."
