Pachinko
Review
Ever wondered what happens when Japanese Pachinko meets bingo? Neko Games turned that mix into an award-winning video bingo game. It’s way more than just bouncing balls. See for yourself.
If you ever get tired of classic bingo games or traditional slot machines, Pachinko by Neko Games won’t disappoint – a mix of video bingo, Pachinko, and… (drum beats) – slots. Yeah, I know, pretty crazy for one game.
Curious to know how this mix works at all and wanna play Pachinko? Read this first:
- Quick overview of Pachinko by Neko Games and who it’s for.
- Pachinko’s theme and mechanics.
- How to play Pachinko.
- Everything you need to know about Pachinko’s bonus round.
- RTP, volatility, and what that means for your bankroll.
- Where to play Pachinko in Canada (safely).
P.S. Scroll on down if you’re here for the facts only.
What Is Pachinko by Neko Games?
To quote the Neko Games itself: “Pachinko is inviting you to get inside the Gotokuji Temple and see it for yourself.”
Pachinko ain’t your standard bingo. And despite the name, it ain’t a Japanese pachinko game either. What is it then?
What you get is a video bingo with a slot-like mechanic and a Pachinko-style bonus game.
It was launched in 2020. Even though it’s Japan-style, Pachinko was developed by a Buenos Aires-based studio under Microgaming.
Pachinko has an RTP of 95.82% (pretty solid) and medium-to-high volatility (a mix of regular small wins and random big prizes). The hit frequency is 54.85%.
And the best part – Neko Games’ Pachinko won the Best Bingo Game 2025 at BIS Awards.
Theme?
Imagine full-on Japanese aesthetics. I mean cherry blossoms and other lucky symbols that will make you feel like you’re taking a stroll through Kyoto. During a festival, by the way.
The key symbol is Maneki-neko (aka the Japanese beckoning cat). It’s the lucky cat and the highlight of the game.
Yes, it’s colourful and cheerful, but super easy on the eyes.
Why It Stands Out
First off, the graphics and music just hit different – so relaxing. But not sleepy, ok? The return rate is pretty decent. Oh, and the bonus round is legit fun.
So, if you enjoy low-stress games with a random adrenaline kick, plus you’re into bingo or lottery, you might as well like this bingo game.
How to Play Pachinko?
Let’s break down symbols, paytable, and game mechanics.
So, Pachinko is a 90-ball bingo game with plenty of exciting features. All you have to do is match numbers and form winning patterns. The more lines and shapes, the higher the payout. BUT, some formed patterns have the potential to unlock special features.
So, in terms of symbols, you’re basically playing with bingo balls. But, there are Free Balls (you can win up to 5 per round, with a message appearing on screen every time you hit Free Balls) and Wild Balls (some extra balls are Wild, allowing you to select a number not called on any ticket).
By the way, you can purchase extra balls to increase your chance of winning.
Gameplay
Let’s start with the betting range: 0.05 – 10. Pretty affordable, right?
After pressing Play, a total of 30 balls will be drawn, and the numbers will be marked on your tickets. Pay attention: only 60 numbers on the 4 tickets will be included in the ball drum. Match numbers to form winning patterns and win prizes.
Candidate numbers show that a pattern will be formed if a specific number is drawn next, with candidates for higher prizes, including Maneki-neko, the Torii Gate, Bonus, and Bingo patterns.
Plus, you can set the game for any speed you want, from slow to normal, fast, or instant play. And if you want an even faster game, tick all the right boxes in the Autoplay section.
Winning Potential
You can trigger the Jackpot feature with a prize of up to 5,000x per ticket when 4 tickets are enabled. The bingo prize is awarded during the draw of the first 30 balls.
Pachinko Bonus Round (here’s where it gets fun)
Let’s take a closer look at the game’s main feature.
Once the Bonus pattern is awarded, you start a special game with a 5-level shelf (Manaki-nekos in different colours). Each holds a Koban with a prize or exit message.
You start by selecting a Maneki-neko. If it has a prize, you take it and move on to the next level to repeat the same selection process. Once you hit an exit message, or there are no more Maneki-nekos, you’ll return to the base game.
The higher the shelf, the bigger the prize. And there is only 1 exit message per level, while level
1 has none.
What Can You Win?
You can actually win up to 1,450x your bet per ticket, and a 400x prize during the bonus round. But all prizes will be awarded at the end of the game.
Where to Play Pachinko in Canada (legally)
I tested the game both in demo and real money mode at these Canadian casinos (they’re all licensed, safe, support CA-friendly payment options, and run regular promos):
100%, up to $1,600
- Outstanding four-part welcome offer for new players
- Decent live dealer casino section
- Long-lasting casino, operating since 1998
$1,500 Bonus + 100 Free Spins
- Over 2,500 games from A-list providers
- Wide range of payment options, crypto included
- AGCO registration and iGaming Ontario operating agreement
50 Free Spins No Wagering
- Award-winning gaming platform
- Licensed in Canada
- Over 3,000 games from industry’s premium providers
100% Up to $750 + 200 FS + 1 Bonus Crab
- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Excellent selection of promotions
- Multiple payment methods (crypto included)
100% Bonus Up to $700 + 100 FS on Gates of Olympus
- Generous welcome package and various promos
- Over 9,000 games from big-name brands
- Multi-tier VIP system
My Take – Is Pachinko Worth a Shot?
Shortly – it depends what you’re after.
What I really liked about it is the fun mix of game styles, plus the Pachinko bonus game. The RTP ain’t too shabby as well, and the unique theme actually tries something new.
I have to warn you, though. You might experience dry spells till that big win hits, but small prizes are more or less regular. And don’t expect much progression or plenty of unlockables.
Final verdict? Pachinko by Neko Games might be worth a spin if you want something different, but it definitely isn’t everyone’s jam. What I recommend is trying the free demo version first to see if you vibe with the game.
Just make sure to keep it responsible, got it?
FAQ
Can I play Pachinko on mobile?
Totally. Neko Games made sure Pachinko is compatible with any device, including mobile. It runs smooth both on Android and iOS.
Is Pachinko fair?
You bet. Neko Games operates under the umbrella of Games Global (aka Microgaming), meaning it’s regularly audited for fairness. That’s if you play at a regulated online casino, too.
Can I trigger the bonus round in Pachinko more often?
Pachinko is a game of chance. All outcomes are 100% random. So, you’ll trigger the bonus game when you land the Bonus pattern.
Is Pachinko beginner-friendly?
Yep. It’s basically tap and watch - no extra features or rules. That’s why it’s great for newbies and casual players.
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