Addiction
As a group that captivates the world, the SEGA SAMMY Group recognizes the prevention of addiction and other related disorders as an important social responsibility in the industries, in order to ensure that customers can enjoy our pachislot machines and games with peace of mind.
We engage in industry organization initiatives in both the pachislot & pachinko and video game industries, taking appropriate actions in line with them.
We will continue to sincerely address the negative aspects of gaming and strive to create an environment where everyone can enjoy our products and services safely.
Addressing Addiction and Gaming Disorders
Addressing Gaming Disorder in the Entertainment Contents Business
At the World Health Assembly in May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized “gaming disorder” as a disease, defining it as a pattern of excessive online and video gaming. In Japan, the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), the Japan Online Game Association (JOGA), the Mobile Content Forum (MCF), and the Japan eSports Union (JeSU) jointly established a study group to conduct surveys and research relating to phenomena triggered by gaming, and to educate the public about appropriate ways to enjoy gaming. The four organizations are currently carrying out collaborative surveys and research with an outside expert study group about gaming disorder and exploring effective countermeasures for the future. The Group will continue to address these issues appropriately in cooperation with the study group.
Addiction Countermeasures in the Pachislot ＆ Pachinko Machines Industry
1. Support for the Helpline Services of the Recovery Support Network (RSN)
SEGA SAMMY Group began implementing measures to address addiction following the establishment of the Society for Research on Pachinko Addiction in 2003. In 2006, with the support of industry organizations, the Recovery Support Network (RSN) was established. Since then, RSN has been engaged in a wide range of initiatives, including awareness-raising activities and telephone helpline services. Since its establishment, the network has handled more than 53,000 consultations in total (as of 2024), continuing to expand its efforts through public awareness campaigns and helpline services.
Poster of RSN (only available in Japanese)
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2. Activities during Pachinko and Pachislot Addiction Awareness Week
Pachinko and Pachislot Addiction Awareness Week is held in Japan every year from May 14 to 20 to promote greater understanding of pachinko and pachislot addiction. During this period, industry organizations undertake a variety of initiatives, including hosting forums to broaden public understanding, disseminating information via websites and social media, and conducting poster campaigns to raise awareness. A dedicated website on pachinko and pachislot addiction also offers a self-assessment checklist, enabling individuals to determine whether they may be experiencing addiction and need counselling.
We support these initiatives and will continue to contribute to the sound development of the industry.
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3. Promotion and Enhancement of the Self-Exclusion and Family-Requested Exclusion Program
As part of industry-wide efforts to help prevent addiction in pachinko and pachislot, the industry has been promoting the introduction of the Self-Exclusion and Family-Requested Exclusion Program at pachinko halls. By enrolling in this program, players can set limits in advance based on self-declaration, such as a daily spending cap, a maximum number of plays per day, a monthly limit on visits to pachinko halls, and restrictions on entry. If these limits are exceeded, staff at pachinko halls provide support, including requesting that the player leave the pachinko halls. Under the family-requested option, family members can also apply measures to restrict a player’s entry to pachinko halls. In line with regulatory developments, efforts to promote the use of this program have progressed, and as of the end of March 2025, the program has been introduced in 93.9% of pachinko halls.
This program is being promoted alongside the “Smart Play Style” initiative, which aims to encourage responsible and balanced ways of playing.
Flyer Promoting Smart Play Style for Pachinko and Pachislot (onky available in Japanese)
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4. Implementation of Standardized Awareness Messaging and Promotion of Pachislot and Pachinko Machines considering addiction
Standardized awareness messages established by the pachinko and pachislot industry, such as “Pachinko and pachislot are the entertainment to be enjoyed moderately” and “Be careful not to become overly absorbed” are displayed on pachislot and pachinko machine screens and posters.
In addition, efforts are being made to promote the adoption of pachislot and pachinko machines that incorporate stricter pay-out regulation, as well as smart pachislot and pachinko machines that allow players to easily check information such as pay-out data. This information is managed by the pachislot and pachinko machine information center and is expected to help prevent fraudulent activities and addiction.
As of the end of March 2025, the installation rate of Smart Pachinko machines stood at approximately 12.1%, while Smart Pachislot machines reached approximately 49.3%.
Awareness messages printed on pachislot and pachinko machine posters
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Addiction Countermeasures in the Pachislot & Pachinko Machines Industry
| 2003 | Establishment of the Society for Research on Pachinko Addiction |
| 2006 | Establishment of the Recovery Support Network (RSN) |
| 2017 | Release of a statement on pachinko & pachislot addiction |
| 2018 |
Replacement of pachislot & pachinko machines with new models that comply with revised regulations Establishment of the Advisory Council on Addiction Countermeasures in the Pachinko and Pachislot Industry (a committee of independent experts) |
| 2019 | Formulation of Basic Guidelines for Addressing Pachinko Addiction Formulation of Basic Guidelines for the Pachinko and Pachislot Industry for Addressing Addiction |
| 2020 | National Police Agency expresses expectations for promoting measures to address addiction and urges at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Japan Federation of Gaming Business Associations |
| 2022 | Beginning of smart pachislot installation on the market |
| 2023 | Beginning of smart pachinko installation on the market |
Industry-Academia Joint Research Project on Gambling Addiction
SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS and Kyoto University are jointly conducting a process research project* on gambling addiction. The purpose of this research, which involves the collection and analysis of data on progression in gambling behavior, is to discover advance warning signs of dangerous gambling behavior by collecting and analyzing playing data from casinos. SEGA SAMMY Group plans to use the results of this research to establish systems for the early identification of players showing signs of addiction, so that steps can be taken to prevent the escalation. We will also establish facility operations that encourage users to exercise self-control and restraint when using the facility. In this way, we aim to develop an integrated structure for gambling addiction countermeasures, from education and prevention through to treatment in collaboration with medical institutions and other organizations. Results from the joint research have shown that repeated gambling behavior results in a tendency to increase the size of wagers, regardless of whether the gambler wins or loses, and that this pattern is especially conspicuous after a win. It was also found that the percentage of people who will engage in risky gambling tends to increase after repeated wins. These results were published in the research journal “International Gambling Studies.”
* This research project will be carried out from December 2017 to March 2028 at the Kyoto University Institute for the Future of Human Society.
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