Best Gambling Manga for 2024

Japanese Manga and Anime about Gambling

Manga and anime go hand in hand as they usually are connected. A successful manga (cartoon) will often evolve into anime (TV series). Therefore, many of the gambling-related mangas listed on this page have anime adaptations you can watch.

One such popular example is the manga and anime series “Kaiji,” which follows the story of a man who gets caught up in the world of underground gambling. Another popular example is the manga and anime series “Akagi,” which tells the story of a young man who becomes a master of gambling in the world of mahjong. We will go through both of these in greater detail below.

Manga has become so popular worldwide that many online casinos have chosen a manga-inspired design for their website. Today, you can find many EU gambling sites with manga graphics.

Top 17 Gambling Manga

Gambling is a popular topic in Japanese manga, as many exciting storylines exist. The list below is, in our opinion, some of the best mangas for gambling.

• Kaiji by Nobuyuki Fukumoto
• Gamble Fish by Aoyama Hiromi
• Kakegurui by Homura Kawamoto
• Liar Game by Shinobu Kaitani
• Akagi by Nobuyuki Fukumoto
• One Outs by Shinobu Kaitani
• Psychic Gambler: Betting Man by Doldom
• Tomodachi Game by Yamaguchi
• Usogui by Toshio Sako
• Alice in Borderlands by Haro Aso
• 81 Driver by Yokusaru Shibata
• Tobaku Haouden Zero by Nobuyuki Fukumoto
• The Legend of the Gambler: Tetsuya by Fuumei Sai and Yasushi Hoshino
• Legend of the End-of-Century Gambling Wolf Saga by Miyashita Akira
• This World Is Money and Power by Han Dong-woo, Lee Doo-hee
• Atsui ze Pen-chan by Fukumoto
• CasinoGui by Hanaichi Nozaki and Yoshida Shirou

1 – Kaiji by Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Kaiji is the first in our list of the top gambling manga you should read. This popular Japanese manga focuses on the art of gambling and has swiftly won the hearts of many readers.

This manga is divided into six sections and was first published in 1996. In 2007, it was converted into an animated film, as well as a TV series, a reality game show, and two movies. This only goes to illustrate how popular Kaiji really is.

The plot follows Kaiji as he spends his time gambling, drinking, smoking, and falling deeper into debt due to his inability to find work. Kaiji is a young man who is unable to find work. Instead of working, he spends his time on pranks, gambling, whisky, and cigarettes, accumulating massive debts. But everything changes when the loan shark, Endo, invites them to a high-stakes game.

However, our protagonist is betrayed by the loan shark, and he is taken to a labour camp where he must work for 15 years to repay his debt. There, he uses his gambling abilities to escape from numerous problems.

One of the many positive aspects of this manga is that it may motivate viewers to engage in safe gambling. It teaches an essential lesson about gambling for money to pay off debts and how it can get you in trouble. Many people who start gambling for enjoyment become hooked and lose everything they own. This story depicts their fate and may encourage them to be more responsible.

2 – Gamble Fish by Aoyama Hiromi

Gamble Fish debuted in 2007, written by Aoyama Hiromi and illustrated by Yamane Kazutoshi. This is the type of narrative that will make you want to go gambling.

This gambling manga is set in The Shishidou Academy – a school for the elite. The story follows a young man named Tomu Shirasagi, who is a genius at gambling and is known for his extraordinary gambling skills. He transfers to the Academy, where he meets a group of students who are also interested in gambling. Together, they get into high-stakes games and gambling competitions while uncovering the corrupt practices that occur in the gambling world. The series explores themes of friendship, competition, and the dangers of addiction.

This novel progresses quite well due to its emphasis on mystery. However, we promise it will not disappoint you as many mysteries do. It will also keep you interested and wanting more, making it difficult to put this one down.

3 – Kakegurui by Homura Kawamoto

Kakegurui is a manga series written by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Toru Naomura. The story is set in the prestigious private school Hyakkaou Private Academy, where students are ranked based on their gambling abilities.

The main character, Yumeko Jabami, is a transfer student with a strong passion for gambling and quickly becomes embroiled in the high-stakes games of the school’s elite gambling society. As she rises through the ranks and uncovers the corrupt practices of society’s members, Yumeko challenges them to increasingly dangerous and intense gambling matches. The series explores themes of power, addiction, and the consequences of obsession.

If you enjoy strange comics with a dark and warped sense of reality, then Kakegurui is for you. It was released in 2014, and an animated version debuted in 2017. A theatre adaption of the story is also available.

4 – Liar Game by Shinobu Kaitani

Liar Game explores themes of deception, trust, and the consequences of playing a high-stakes game where the stakes are not only money, but also people’s lives. The series is written and illustrated by Shinobu Kaitani.

The story follows a young woman named Nao Kanzaki, who receives a letter inviting her to participate in the “Liar Game,” a dangerous and illegal game of deception and manipulation. Nao quickly finds herself pulled into the game and must use her wits and intelligence to outsmart her opponents and survive the game’s twisted and unpredictable challenges.

Along the way, she teams up with a con artist named Shinichi Akiyama, who becomes her partner and mentor in the game. Together, they uncover the sinister motives behind the Liar Game and work to bring down the organisation that runs it.

5 – Akagi by Nobuyuki Fukumoto

This is, for many, one of the best manga series based on real money gambling, created by Nobuyuki Fukumoto. The series is also known as “Mahjong Legend Akagi”, and began in 1991 and was completed in 2018. It has a massive 306 chapters spread across 36 volumes!

The story follows the life of a young man named Shigeru Akagi, who is a master of the Japanese game of mahjong. The series begins with Akagi, a young boy, who enters a yakuza-controlled gambling den and manages to win a game of mahjong, despite never having played it before. From that point on, Akagi becomes a legend in the world of gambling and is constantly challenged by powerful opponents, including the Yakuza, who want to take him down.

The manga explores themes of gambling, strategy, and the psychological aspect of the high-stakes, high-pressure world of gambling, all while following Akagi’s journey as he becomes one of the greatest players in the history of mahjong.

6 – One Outs by Shinobu Kaitani

One Outs is a wonderful read for fans of sports manga. Shinobu Kaitani wrote this gripping narrative in 1998, which also got its time on the screen as anime.

One Outs is a baseball-themed game in which a single pitcher and a single batter compete against each other.

Tao Tokuchi is the protagonist of this realm. This is a skilled gambler with a really special talent for pitching the ball. He gets hired to pitch for the game’s most inept squad. The stakes are raised by the fact that he is awarded a prize of 5 million yen for each ‘out’ he throws. On the other hand, he will forfeit a whopping 50 million yen for every run he fails to complete.

This opens the door for a gaming manga unlike any other. One Outs has become one of Japan’s most popular comics. All because of the incredibly high stakes and the emphasis on physical sports rather than board games or cards.

7 – Psychic Gambler: Betting Man by Doldom

Psychic Gambler: Betting man is a manga series created by Doldom and illustrated by Yang Geng. The series is one of the newest mangas on our list, debuted in 2016 and is still running.

Jin-goo, the story’s main protagonist, has the ability to see through objects. The story begins with him attempting to use this power to charm girls before finding he can also use it for gambling.

Jin-goo is overjoyed with this knowledge and believes that overcoming his gaming opponents will be a piece of cake. His plans, however, fail because he underestimates his opponents’ intelligence. This results in an engaging manga story that will keep you reading until the finish.

Doldom has given this story a very unusual twist by including the presence of superpowers. Jin-goo is not a student trapped in a cycle of betting or someone enslaved by debt. Instead, he is someone who possesses a supernatural skill and wishes to use it to deceive as many people as possible. It is difficult to decide whether the reader should root for or against this figure.

8 – Tomodachi Game (Friendship Game) by Yamaguchi

When Yuichi and his close-knit group of friends find themselves caught in a vicious web spun around their financial debts, the definition of trust undergoes a seismic shift. This manga, often disturbing in its realistic portrayal, navigates the treacherous waters of human psychology.

Placing its characters in a game where bonds of friendship are tested against the allure of money, it confronts readers with profound ethical dilemmas. At its heart, it’s a chilling exploration of how material desires can fracture even the strongest of friendships, all set against the backdrop of a high-risk gamble.

9 – Usogui (The Lie Eater) by Toshio Sako

In the shadowy corners of society, where ordinary rules don’t apply, lies the world of “Usogui”. Baku, a master manipulator, ventures into these dark realms, delving into dangerous gambles where human lives often serve as the chips on the table. His journey through this underworld, meeting various adversaries, is a masterclass in deception, cunning, and strategy.

Toshio Sako’s narrative strength lies in the complex characters and the intricate plots they hatch, making readers question the nature of truth and lies. As Baku plays the game, you’re constantly reminded of the thin line between deception and honesty and how high the stakes really are.

10 – Alice in Borderlands by Haro Aso

Suddenly thrown into a distorted, game-infused version of Tokyo, Ryohei and his companions find themselves in a battle for their very survival. Each game in this dystopian landscape carries with it a tantalising promise: win, and you earn the right to live another day. But the cost of failure is the ultimate one — death.

As they navigate this perilous world, the lines between reality and illusion blur, making trust a luxury they can scarcely afford. Aso crafts a gripping tale where friendship and determination are the only shields against the twisted games that dictate life and death. Beyond the immediate dangers, deeper mysteries wait to be unravelled.

11 – 81 Driver by Yokusaru Shibata

The bustling streets of urban Japan serve as the backdrop for this enthralling tale. As taxi drivers weave through the city’s arteries, they inadvertently become enmeshed in a secretive gambling underworld. Yet, it’s not just about dice rolls or card games. Each passenger they ferry carries a unique story, offering glimpses into their individual worlds.

These tales, sometimes heartwarming and occasionally heartbreaking, overlap and intersect, painting a mosaic of human lives. Shibata excels in showcasing the intricate dance between fate and choice. In this world, a simple taxi ride can lead to unexpected gambles, both metaphorical and literal.

12 – Tobaku Haouden Zero (Gambling Emperor Legend Zero) by Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Meet Zero, an unparalleled genius in the world of gambling. In a society where one’s worth and status are often determined by one’s gaming acumen, Zero stands out as a beacon of strategic brilliance. However, this is no ordinary tale of casino exploits. The narrative dives deep into a realm where each game is a fierce battle of intellect, wit, and nerves.

Fukumoto crafts a compelling journey where characters aren’t merely playing for chips or money but are staking their pride, dreams, and, occasionally, their very futures. The meticulous detailing of each game’s mechanics, paired with the psychological warfare that ensues, makes this a must-read.

13 – The Legend of the Gambler: Tetsuya by Fuumei Sai and Yasushi Hoshino

In the aftermath of World War II, amidst the ashes of a ravaged Japan, rises a new form of challenge – the game of mahjong. Tetsuya’s ascent from an ordinary player to a legendary figure in the world of mahjong is nothing short of meteoric. As he clashes with formidable opponents, the essence of the game reveals itself, not merely as a pastime but as a reflection of life’s struggles, aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of mastery.

Sai and Hoshino have painted a rich tapestry that melds history, strategy, and human resilience. Tetsuya’s journey, filled with highs and lows, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of competition.

14 – Legend of the End-of-Century Gambling Wolf Saga by Miyashita Akira

In a tumultuous era where societal structures are collapsing, a new legend emerges from the smoke and chaos: the End-of-Century Gambling Wolf. This riveting tale captures the very essence of survival, as characters rely on their cunning, strategy, and sometimes sheer willpower to navigate the treacherous world of gambling. Miyashita Akira’s storytelling crafts a captivating narrative that intricately ties the art of the gamble to the survival instincts inherent in humanity.

As the plot unfolds, readers bear witness to grand rivalries, electrifying strategies, and the intoxicating thrill that only high-stakes gambling can bring.

15 – This World Is Money and Power by Han Dong-woo and Lee Doo-hee

Dive into a contemporary narrative that exposes the raw underbelly of today’s society, where power dynamics and financial muscle constantly jostle for dominance. The central theme revolves around the intricate dance of money and influence, drawing readers into a world where every decision can result in ascension or downfall. Han Dong-woo and Lee Doo-hee craft a tale replete with sharp dialogue, compelling characters, and high-stakes scenarios, all centred around the world of gambling. Amid the glitz and glamour lies a profound exploration of ambition, morality, and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their place atop the societal ladder.

16 – Atsui ze Pen-chan by Fukumoto

Pen-chan’s seemingly ordinary life is punctuated by moments of intense gambling showdowns, elevating the narrative from the mundane to the extraordinary. Every risk taken, every game played, pushes him further into the labyrinth of challenges and revelations.

Fukumoto’s masterful storytelling introduces readers to a world where stakes escalate with every turn and where uncovering the truth becomes a gamble in itself. As Pen-chan confronts each obstacle, he’s forced to reckon not just with the games he’s playing but with deeper, introspective questions about life, purpose, and the very essence of luck and chance.

17 – CasinoGui by Hanaichi Nozaki and Yoshida Shirou

Venture into the intricate realm of casinos through the lens of Nozaki and Shirou in “CasinoGui”. This narrative doesn’t merely stay on the surface, portraying the predictable highs and lows of casino life; instead, it dives deep into the psyche of its protagonists. With each gamble, there’s a story of ambition, fear, strategy, and the very human need to rise against the odds.

Nozaki and Shirou’s joint endeavour masterfully crafts a layered world where every decision at the gambling table mirrors the larger choices we make in life. The casino, in its tale, becomes a metaphor for existence itself, with its unpredictable turns, monumental risks, and the eternal hope of hitting the jackpot.

Summary

There is a plethora of good manga and gambling anime to choose from. Each has a unique tale, distinct characters, and captivating graphics that keep the reader interested until the end. These are some of the best manga releases available.

However, whichever you read will likely turn you into a fan of this sort of entertainment, particularly if you consider yourself to be a gambler. Whether you enjoy playing at top safe online casinos or other games where you may win money, these Japanese comic novels have the potential to become an essential part of your life.

Kate WebbEditor in Chief

With over ten years of experience working with gambling and writing about casinos, Kate brings a lot of knowledge to CasinoTop3.com. Kate oversees all the content written on CasinoTop3.com to ensure it contains factual information with value to you as a player.