Do you like watching anime that has suspense that leaves you on the edge of your seat? Do you like anime with the best drama or which are thrilling to watch? Are suspense, thriller, drama, or fantasy your favorite genres in Anime?
Or have you just watched Kakegurui and want to know if there are more anime like it? Then Gambling is the genre you are looking for, a genre that is a combination of suspense, thriller, drama, and fantasy, which are some of the best genres to watch.
What started out as a small part of the overall plot of various legendary animes like naruto and one piece, dating way back to the 90s, eventually became a genre on its own. With suspense, that leaves the viewers asking for more drama, unlike any other anime. This genre delivers the best of everything.
When it is said, “Gambling anime is unlike any other anime ever made,” It means that the environment these animes build is unmatched. Featuring High stakes games involving money, power, alcohol, fame, future, and sometimes even life, the gambling anime is the definition of tension.
Gambling anime has a huge variety ranging from light-hearted comedic gambling anime like “The Legend of Koizumi” to life-threatening thrillers like “Kaiji.” Let’s look at this variety in the 20 best anime about gambling.
Also read: 40 Best Anime Series To Watch On Crunchyroll
20. No Game, No Life
No Game No Life is the anime adaptation of the Japanese light novel written by Yuu Kamiya under the same name. This is an isekai anime with a twist. What if someone told you that the fate of the whole world could be decided by a simple game of cards or chess? Sound ridiculous, right? Well, this is what this anime is about. The anime features a world named Disboard, a world unlike any other, where everything is decided through games.
This world is inhabited by sixteen sentient races. Humans make up the Imanity race, which is the lowest of all races because of their lack of magical powers. This world has one true god named Tet, who is also called the overseer.
On Earth, two inseparable stepsiblings named Sora and Shiro are dominating the online gaming scenario under the name “blank” (blank as in actually no name), which leads them to lose interest in real life. One day, they receive a message from an unknown sender, who later turns out to be Tet.
When they open this message, they instantly get transported to Disboard from the Earth. They start exploring this new world and come across Elkia, which is Imanity’s(human race) only kingdom left. While in Elkia, they meet Stephanie Dola, who explains the condition of the human race in this world and how desperately they need to regain the throne.
Sora and Shiro get inspired by her words and embark on a journey to defeat other sentient races in a battle of games and eventually become the new rulers of this world and get Elkia on its feet again and ultimately save humanity from its despair.
- Total episodes: 12
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll
Also read: Best Games That Are Based on Anime – Gaming Recommendations
19. One Outs
This anime takes a different approach to gambling and is different from every other anime included in this list. In this anime, you can find a combination of sports and gambling. If sports anime is your type, then this is a must-watch for you.
One outs is an anime adaptation of the baseball-themed manga written and illustrated by Shinobu Kaitani in 1998. The anime aired in the Fall of 2008 under Madhouse Studios, the same studio which produced Death Note, Black Lagoon, and One Punch Man.
The main protagonist of this anime is Toua Tokuchi, who is a prodigy in both baseball and gambling. Toua is one of the most famous pitchers in this anime, owing to his 499 consecutive victories in the game of “One Outs.”
One Out is a baseball format that can be defined as the one-on-one showdown between a pitcher and a batter. All these abilities make Tokuchi one of the best pitchers of his time, and yet his only objective for playing this sport is to make quick money.
His life changes when his skills are witnessed by Hiromichi Kojima, a legendary hitter from the team named Saikyou Saitama Lycaons. He offers Tokuchi to join his team, but he refuses as he has no interest in playing sports seriously. Dedicated to making Tokuchi join his team, Kojima places his career on the line and challenges “the undisputed king of a gambling form of baseball” called One Out and eventually defeated him.
Seeing no way out of this situation, Tokuchi signs a very unusual contract with the Lycaons, which states that he will get 5 million yen for every out he pitches, but he will also lose 5 million yen for every point he gives up. Placing his entire career on this line on every serve he throws, Tokuchi makes his way through the Japanese Pacific Baseball League.
- Total Episodes:25
- IMDb rating: 8.3/10
- Mal rating: 8.3/10
18. Tomodachi Game
As the name suggests, Tomodachi game(Friends Game) is an anime that includes various types of games in which the characters put their lives on the line to win. Oftentimes referred to as “one of the best new-gen anime,” the Tomodachi game has a huge fanbase.
It is based on the manga written and illustrated by Yuki Sato and the concept was given by Mikoto Yamaguchi. The anime aired from April to June 2022 under Okuruto Noboru.
The anime features Yuuichi Katagiri, who is often regarded as one of the best new-gen anime protagonists due to his impressive manipulation skills and character. But do you know Yuuichi was not always like this? His life was that of a normal High school student who enjoyed his life with his four close friends.
All of this changes when one day, all of his school funds get stolen, which affects Yuuichi a lot as he endured a lot of hardships to save money so that he could go on the school trip. Soon after, Yuuichi and his friends get knocked unconscious and kidnapped by unknown assailants after they followed a mysterious letter they received.
When they wake up, they meet Manabu-Kun, who informs the group that one of the five of them has gathered them in that place so that they could settle a debt of 5,000,000 yen. To pay off that debt, all of them need to play a variety of games meant to test their “friendship.”.
Shocked at this sudden turn of events, Yuuichi must figure out the traitor amongst them. Will Yuuichi find out the traitor? Will their bond of friendship survive these games? So many questions.
- Total episodes: 12
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
- MAL rating: 7.7/10
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Disney
Also Read: Tomodachi Game Ending Explained: Did Yuichi Succeed In Winning?
17. Classroom of the Elite
Classroom of the elite is the anime adaptation of the popular light novel named Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijō Shugi no Kyōshitsu or “Welcome to the classroom where Merit is Paramount” written by Shogo Kinugasa. The light novel also received a manga adaptation by Shia Sasane. The first season of the anime aired in 2017, the second season aired in 2022, and the third season is scheduled to release in 2023. The anime is produced by Lerche.
The anime features a school named Koudo Ikusei Senior High School, which looks like any normal Highschool but it is soon revealed to be nothing but a facade. The school provides complete freedom to its students, and they also live a life filled with luxuries there, but all of it is determined by their merit.
The school has four classes each year, from A to D, and students are assigned classes based on their merit. The higher your class, the better treatment one gets. The money used in the school is referred to as “points,” which can be earned by performing better in various difficult tasks and games the school organizes.
The main protagonist of this anime is Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, who is a student of class D where all the “failures” are put even though later in the story, Kiyotaka is revealed to be a genius which leads fans even comparing him to Light, Lelouch, and many others.
In Class D, he meets up with Suzune Horikit, who has the ambition to reach class A, which can only be possible if the class performs well in the tests and manages to score more points. Even though the rules are always set by the schools, the students still go to extreme lengths to win and stop others from winning.
- Total episodes: 24
- MAL rating: 7.86/10
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hotstar
Also read: How To Read Classroom of the Elite Light Novel?
16. C
C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control is an anime series set in a world of an alternate reality. Produced by Tatsunoko Production in 2011. Unlike many other anime in this list, C does not have a manga. The anime, directed by Kenji Nakamura, features a story where people gamble not with money or fame but with their own futures.
Kimimaro Yoga is a poor second-year Economics student in a country suffering from an economic crisis. His life changes when one day, a stranger named Masakaki comes to meet him.
He tells Kimimaro about the Eastern financial district where people bet their futures to gamble and win huge amounts of money. The gambles are referred to as Entres (fighters). Mesmerized by the offer, Kimimaro reluctantly accepts it without knowing the horrors which await him.
Playing a game against people from various people who could end up making him rich or alter his future itself. Kimimaro struggles in the new world he just discovered, and as he goes deeper into this mysterious world, more of its horrors start to unravel.
- Total episodes: 11
- MAL rating: 7.2/10
15. Rio: Rainbow Gate
Based on the Rio series(a part of pachinko games from Rakushou! Pachi slot Sengen) produced by Tecmo Co., Rio: Rainbow gate is a Japanese anime that aired on Tokyo MX in 2011.
This anime is set in a traditional Western gambling style. Featuring the “Howard Resort Hotel” and its beautiful female dealer named Rio Rollins also known as the “Goddess of Victory” owing to her experience in casinos. People from far away come to this hotel to make a fortune for themselves.
Rio Rollins only has one goal in her life. To surpass her mother and become the greatest dealer in the world. This title can only be earned by the dealer who manages to get all the 13 legendary cards known as “gates” and proves their worth as a dealer.
Battling against rival dealers, Rio Rollins rises to the peak. With a balance of comedy and suspense, which takes your breath away, and also Hot girls. This anime is worth the watch.
- Total episodes: 13+1
- Crunchyroll rating: 4.2/5
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
14. Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku: The Legend of Koizumi
Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku or Reform with no wasted draws, also referred to as just “The Legend of Koizumi” is a satirical manga series written by Hideki Ohwada and adapted into an anime by TYO animations in 2007. This anime revolves around the game called Mahjong.
You would have probably heard about Mahjong, but how about using it to settle world disputes? And not just small disputes but International level issues, conflicts between countries, and even wars. The Legend of Koizumi aims to take a dig at the worldly politics in past decades in a very comedic way.
This anime is perfect for someone with an interest in history and politics, and even if you don’t have an interest, don’t worry. This anime will still be a good option if you want some laughs.
The main character, Junichiro Koizumi, goes up against world leaders from various countries in a battle of Mahjong. Their mindful strategies and interactions are filled with comedy. The winner of the game decides what the losing country shall do. Not a very bad idea to settle disputes without war, right?
- Total episodes: 3
- MAL rating: 6.6/10
13. Mahjong Hishō-den: Naki no Ryū
Mahjong Hisho den or Mahjong Soaring tale is yet another Mahjong themed anime in this list. Based on the manga written by Junichi Nojo way back in 1985 and adapted into a 3 episode original video animation(OVA) in 1988 by Gainax studio.
Featuring a plot where gangs play Mahjong to decide on various matters. Ryuu the lead character in this anime, also called “crying dragon” is a Master at Mahjong and decides to go up against the gang members to make a fortune for himself. His strongest move is referred to as “ro.”.
- Total episodes: 3
- MAL rating: 6/10
- Official website: Bandai
Also read: Best Short Anime To Binge Watch
12. Alice in Borderland
Alice in Borderland or Imawa no Kuni no Arisu is an original video animation adaptation by the Silver link under the direction of Shinsuke Sato and is based on the manga written by Haro Aso in 2010 by the same name. It also has a spin-off series named Alice in Border Road adapted by Netflix into a live television series.
The story revolves around Ryouhei Arisu, a philosophical teenager who tends to find the meaning of life in everything he does, which makes it difficult for him to connect with the people around him except his two friends Daikichi Karube and Chouta Segawa.
His life changes when one day, while traveling with his friends, Ryouhei witnesses a firework so bright, it blinded them for a few moments. When the trio opened their eyes, they found themselves in an abandoned bar.
They soon meet up with someone who seems like a host. Who explains to them about this new world called Borderland? A world in which all inhabitants are players. Ryouhei and his friends have to play games, and if they manage to win all of them, they’ll be returned to their homes, but one wrong answer could lead to the death of them all.
- Total episodes: 8
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10
- MAL rating: 7.3/10
- Where to watch: Hidive
11. Death Parade
Gambling among living beings is very common, but have you ever wondered if there’s gambling in life? Death Parade answers this question. The anime is written, created, and directed by Yuzuri Tachikawa and produced by Madhouse.
This anime follows the idea of reincarnation after death which is decided at a bar called Quindecim. The one in charge of this bar is a mysterious man called Decim, who passes judgment on the souls who reach this bar.
The souls are challenged with various games ranging from simple card games to sword fighting. The outcome is decided not by the winner but by the way how the game was played, the morals of the players, or did they give up their morals to win this game.
The stakes are very high in this anime, in which a simple game decides whether a soul gets reincarnated or do they get obliterated into the abyss. This anime is a very thrilling experience and takes a very philosophical approach to the mysteries of the afterlife.
- Total episodes:12
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- MAL rating: 8.8/10
- Where to watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll
10. Saki
Want to take a break from the high stake scenario of gambling anime? Then this anime is for you. Saki is an anime adaptation of the manga written by Ritz Kobayashi by Gonzo studios and is also another mahjong-themed anime in this list.
Saki Miyanaga is a high school girl who hates mahjong due to it being attached to her dark past. She is forced to play Mahjong when her friend invites her to join the Mahjong club. Eventually, Saki starts loving the game and forgets about her past, which makes up for a very happy ending.
This anime focuses more on overcoming your fears rather than focusing on stakes, like many other gambling animes. The anime is very heartwarming, fun, and pleasant to watch, with enough drama to keep you engaged.
- Total episodes: 25
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10
- Crunchyroll rating: 4.5/5
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
9. Usogui
Now that you have relaxed a bit. Let’s get back into high-stakes gambling animes with Usogui ( translation: the Lie Eater), written and illustrated by Toshio Sako and adapted into an original video animation(OVA) by Shueisha.
This anime follows the story of Madarame Baku, also known as “the Lie Eater,” and his efforts to take over the organization named Kagerou. Kagerou is an organization that oversees many high stake gambles and controls their referees to ensure no one cheats or breaks any rules. Baku is a brilliant gambler but also very cunning, and he believes that taking over Kagerou will give him ultimate authority in this gambling world.
In a world filled with gamblers Baku and his team put their lives on the line to gamble against various people, including criminals, to reach their final goal. Even though the OVA of the anime is very well put, it is recommended that one also reads the manga to understand the true story, and it also has a live-action adaptation by Netflix.
- Total episodes: 1
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10
- MAL rating: 5.5/10
- Where to watch: Bilibili
8. Joker Game
Gambling is nothing without games, and Joker Game is no exception. It stands out from most animes as it focuses primarily on Poker and espionage. Based on the light novel written by Koji Yanagi and adapted by Production I. G. tries to take a different approach to gambling.
Set in the World War II era, this anime has a very dark and gloomy environment. D Agency is a spy organization established by Japan to get reconnaissance on their enemy countries. Trained under the toughest environment, the eight members of the D agency have unmatched manipulation skills which are necessary to retrieve the information needed by their country.
If anime with spies or if you love poker, then this anime is perfect for you. Even though the anime could get intense at times, it’s still fun to watch.
- Total episodes: 12
- IMDb rating: 7/10
- MAL rating: 7/10
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
7. Legendary Gambler Tetsuya
As the name suggests, this anime is based on a Legendary Gambler named Tetsuya. Based on the manga named “the legend of Tetsuya” written by Yasushi Hoshino and adapted into an anime by Toei animation, the same studio which made animes like Dragon ball.
The anime is set in a world three years after the Pearl Harbor attack. Tetsuya, a 15-year-old boy who works at a munitions factory, learns how to gamble with the help of his colleague’s uncle.
One day an old man who suffered the horrors of war teaches Tetsuya that “unlucky people di.”. Years pass by, and Tetsuya starts to gamble on his own after getting a Job. Japan lost the war, which lead to nationwide chaos and calamity, and people doing whatever they could to earn money.
A still from Legendary gambler Tetsuya
During one of his gambling matches, Tetsuya meets up with Inami who tells him that playing Mahjong against American Soldiers pays a lot of money. This piques Tetsuya’s curiosity, and he heads to Yokosaka to play Mahjong.
- Total episodes:20
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- MAL rating: 7.7/10
- Where to watch: Veoh
6. Kengan Ashura
If you are looking for a gambling anime that includes betting and violence, then look no further. Kengan Ashura is the anime for you. Based on the manga written and illustrated by Yabako Sandrovich and adapted into an anime by Netflix, with a second season set to premiere in 2023. You can expect some quality action scenes from this anime.
Gladiator arenas exist all across the globe, some big, some small, but each has the same theme of betting and fighting. A Gladiator arena is a place where wealthy businessman brings their fighters called gladiators and pit them against other gladiators. People place bets on any one of the gladiators, and the winner gets a huge profit.
The anime features a world where reach people settle their disputes by using the gladiator arenas. In the streets of this world is Tokita Ouma, also known as “the Ashura” who aims to become the strongest gladiator the world has ever seen.
Witnessing one of his fights, the CEO hires Tokito as their gladiator. As the story progresses, Tokito proves his worth by winning many fights while trying to find out the true intentions of the Kengan association, which organizes these fights.
- Total episodes: 12
- IMDb rating: 8/10
- MAL rating: 7.7/10
- Where to watch: Netflix
5. Danganronpa
Starting in the top 5 animes of this list, we have a psychological horror anime named Danganronpa which is an anime adaptation of the popular visual novel made by Spike Chunsoft.
Hope’s Peak Private Academy is a world-renowned academy that guarantees the best placement and career for the students who graduate from it. Makoto Naegi gets accepted by this institution. Even though he believes that he lacks the skills necessary for it, he is still delighted to get accepted.
As soon as Naegi enters the school, he goes unconscious and collapses on the floor. When he wakes up, he finds himself. Puzzled by this weird turn of events, Naegi searches the school and finds the other students who look as clueless as him.
After some time, all the students witness a truly terrifying sight. They are greeted by a humanoid robotic bear named Monokum, who claims to be the principal of the school. He tells the students that the only way to get out of this school is to kill a classmate without being caught, and if they succeed in this, the rest of the students die.
Everyone is shocked; terror fills the air. The stakes are significantly high as the students gamble their life to get freed and time are running out. What will Naegi and his classmates do?
- Total episodes: 13
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- MAL rating: 7.2/10
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
4. Phi Brain: Puzzle of God
An anime based solely on puzzles and mind games where failure can lead to death. Phi brain is an anime series produced by Sunrise studios and currently has 3 seasons. It also received a manga adaptation.
Kaito Daimon is your average high school freshman who loves to solve puzzles in his free time so much that he is like a master at puzzle solving. One day on his way back home from school, Kaito and his friend Nonoha come across a difficult puzzle named “philosopher’s puzzle.”.
Kaito takes an interest in it and eventually ends up solving it. As soon as he solves the puzzle, he is connected to other puzzle solvers in the world, and it is revealed that the puzzle he just solved was made by a mysterious organization called P. O. G. (Puzzle of God).
Kaito realizes that Nonoha and his own life are at stake here and decides to help other solvers take down P. O. G. by solving all the life-threatening puzzles. Thanks to Kaito’s excellent puzzle-solving skills, he doesn’t have much trouble, but he still has to be aware as even one failure would lead to the death of his death.
- Total episodes: 75
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- MAL rating: 6.2/10
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
3. Akagi
At number 3 is arguably the best mahjong-themed anime in the entire anime world. An anime named Akagi is based on the manga written by Noboyuki Fukimoto and adapted by Nippon TV. The story features yakuza, police, crime scenes, mafias, and psychological games.
The story revolves around a 13-year-old boy named Shigeru Akagi, who is a genius despite being a child. Akagi, on the run from the police, decides to enter a Mahjong parlor run by the yakuza. There he meets a compulsive gambler named Nangoue, a man who just placed his life as a bet to clear off his debt of over 3 million yen.
Akagi intervenes in this match and asks to play for Nangou. Nangou, who has lost so much, allows Akagi to play after teaching him the rules. Akagi being a genius goes on defeat his opponent and clear off Nangou’s debt, but he doesn’t stop there; he goes on to compete against the top professional mahjong players among the yakuza and eventually defeats them all.
This streak of victories makes Akagi the talk of the nation and a legendary figure in Mahjong but then he suddenly disappears.
Six years later, Nangou finds Akagi and asks him to play Mahjong once again and help him out. The stakes are significantly high, and the yakuza are deadly; what will Akagi do in this situation?
- Total episodes: 18
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
- MAL rating: 7.9/10
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Also read: 50 Best Movies With Smart Characters To Watch Now
2. Kaiji
Unlike any other anime in this list. Kaiji aims to show the true nature of gambling to the viewers. A game where nothing is guaranteed, and no matter how genius or cunning you are, or no matter how high the stakes are, victory is never guaranteed. The anime is based on the manga written by Nobuyuki Fukimoto, who is also the writer of another famous gambling manga named Akagi.
The story follows the life of Kaiji Ito, an exemplary gambler, and his adventures as he goes up against various opponents. The anime doesn’t focus on just one game but a huge variety of games. Kaiji is a simple human who spends most of his time in peace until one day he gets offered to join a gambling club which marks the beginning of his legendary gambling career.
Madhouse does a very great job at creating tension around the matches and makes you root for Akagi. Unlike other gambling anime protagonists, Akagi always tells his strategies to the audience before the match, which makes the viewers feel as if they are playing with Akagi which makes it a very thrilling yet intense experience.
Kaiji is a very relatable character. Unlike many other main characters, Kaiji isn’t a genius, and many times, she loses and goes into debt. So, if you are looking for an anime including crime scenes and suspense which are really immersive, Give Kaiji a go.
- Total episodes: 26
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
- Crunchyroll rating: 4.7/5
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
1. Kakegurui
If you have read this far, you would have already guessed it. Number 1 is the best and most popular gambling anime of all time, Kakegurui. Adapted from the manga written by Homura Kawamoto, this anime is set in a world where the crazier you are, the more your chances to survive. The series is animated by MAPPA, a renowned studio famous for making animes like Attack on Titan and Chainsaw Man. It revolves around one of the most loved female protagonists in the new-gen anime.
Hyakkaou Private Academy is an academy made to prepare its student for real life. The academy has produced many great businessmen and politicians in its long history. Most of the students attending this academy are from rich families.
The academy has set standards for differentiating its students, which is based on the amount of donation the academy receives from each student. The academy is like a normal school during the day, but as soon as night comes, everything changes. The academy gets turned into a Gambling club where students compete against each other to prove their superiority.
The stakes are significantly high, and the bets range from a huge sum of money or even nails!? The students who go into debt are labeled as “house pets” and are humiliated in every way possible, leading them to even sell their futures at times to pay off their debt.
A beautiful transfer student named Yumeko Jabami joins this mess of an academy. With a mysterious background, she tries her hand at gambling and quickly defeats some of the best gamblers in the school.
Unlike every other in the academy, Yumeko doesn’t play for just money; she plays for the ris and the thrill of gambling and is even shown to be a psychopath at times who gets joy even when betting her own life on a game. Yumeko soon becomes a target of the Student council, which comprises the best gamblers in the whole academy, and the story continues with her trying to defeat them all.
The anime is very new and is delivered in a way that makes it really entertaining to watch. It maintains a balance of humor and thrill and also has cute moments like the song from Yumemi. All in all, this anime is definitely worth a watch.
- Total episodes: 24
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- MAL rating: 7.2/10
- Where to watch: Netflix
Also read: 50 Best Anime Where The Characters Are Fairy
