Question from a reader:
I would like to ask someone knowledgeable about the laws regarding pachinko and slots. Recently, when I visited a large chain pachinko parlor, I found that one of the rates had been removed due to a renovation, and that the exchange deadline for the accumulated points for that rate was until the end of June. I visited
on July 2, and although my card still had points remaining, I was told that exchanges could not be accepted because the deadline had passed. I was also informed that I could not transfer points to other rates, and while the data had not disappeared, I would not be able to move any points in the future. The store claims that they have no fault in this matter because they had announced it in-store for about a month. For me personally, the lost points amount to about 1,000 yen, which is not a major issue, but I am surprised by the carelessness of the point accumulation system. It is frightening to think what would happen if I had accumulated 100,000 yen worth of points. Is there no legal issue with points being frozen in this manner? I would like to know if it is permissible for a store to completely freeze points under the pretext of renovation when the store has not closed down.
Introduction
This time, I would like to delve deeply into the laws surrounding the point accumulation system, its realities, and the overall structure of the industry. In particular, the issue you experienced regarding “the freezing of points due to renovation” is a topic of great interest to many pachinko fans and slot enthusiasts. Through this, let us consider the challenges faced by the point accumulation system, the background of the industry, legal perspectives, and future prospects.
What is the Point Accumulation System?
The point accumulation system allows players to charge the balls or medals they have won in pachinko or slots onto a card, which can then be used for gameplay at a later date. This enables players to carry over their winnings for future games, enhancing the continuity of play. However, there are several points to be aware of with this system. For example, there are expiration dates for points, differences in rules between stores, and the freezing of points due to changes in management policies, all of which players need to understand and pay attention to. Particularly, cases of points being frozen during renovations are often seen when a store shifts its operational policies.
Legal Perspective on Renovations and Point Freezing
In your case, the store underwent renovations, and during this process, the points for a specific rate were frozen. How is this treated legally? In Japan, regulations regarding pachinko and slots are strict, and the point accumulation system itself is operated based on specific rules. When a store freezes points, it is required to announce this in advance. As you mentioned, if there was an in-store announcement for about a month, it is likely that the store is considered to have followed appropriate procedures from a legal standpoint. However, if the announcement was insufficient or not clearly explained to customers, it could potentially raise issues from a consumer protection perspective. Moreover, if points are frozen unjustly, consumers can file complaints with the Consumer Affairs Agency or industry organizations. Therefore, if you face a similar situation in the future, it is important to carefully check the store’s announcements and procedures and to inquire about any unclear points.
Background of the Industry and Its Impact
The pachinko industry has a long history as part of the entertainment sector, but it has faced various changes in recent years. In particular, as the population ages and younger generations move away from gaming, the entire industry is confronting a challenging revenue environment. As a result, many stores are undergoing renovations to secure customer bases and improve profitability. Freezing points during renovations is often used by stores as a means to start anew, but it can also be a source of anxiety for customers. To gain customer trust, stores need to operate with transparency and be receptive to customer feedback.
Comparison with Other Countries
The Japanese pachinko industry has characteristics that differ from the casino industries abroad. For example, in American casinos, there are compensation systems for customers based on their losses and well-developed customer loyalty programs. While other countries have systems in place to prioritize customer care, the Japanese pachinko industry still has room for improvement. Additionally, overseas casinos conduct audits by third-party organizations to ensure transparency and fairness. In Japan, it may be necessary to introduce external auditing bodies to enhance the credibility of the pachinko industry.
Future of the Industry and Advice for Customers
The future of the pachinko industry is likely to enter a transformative era with the introduction of digitalization and new gaming styles. Particularly with the rise of online games and e-sports, traditional gaming styles may change. To adapt to this trend, the entire industry needs to explore new business models. As customers, it is important to understand the point accumulation system and store rules, and to gather information as needed. Additionally, regularly checking store announcements and actively inquiring about any questions can enhance your gaming experience.
In Conclusion
The world of pachinko and slots is not just a game; it intertwines various business aspects. The point freezing issues you experienced highlight the challenges of improving transparency and customer service across the industry. Moving forward, let us continue to monitor industry trends while maintaining a customer perspective as part of the entertainment sector. Readers, please feel free to share your experiences and opinions. Your voice may contribute to creating a better entertainment environment.
