How do mahjong parlors work?

How do Japanese Mahjong Parlors Work?

I’ve seen mahjong parlors all over Japan. They seem to run the gamut from seedy yakuza haunts to respectable family entertainment places along with manga/internet cafes.

What I want to know are three things. First, when you go there, do you go with your friends and get a table so you can play together, or is it like a casino/card room where you go to find a game with random people?

Second, how do these places make money? Do they charge per hour for your seat and try to sell you food and drinks? Do some of them take a cut of the bets like card rooms?

Which leads me to the third question. Gambling is illegal in Japan, yet mahjong parlors operate out in the open. Obviously nobody plays mahjong just for fun any more than they would play poker. So how do the players handle the exchange of money without attracting unwanted attention?

 Question from: Stardog Champion

Japanese Mahjong Parlors

Japanese Mahjong parlors, also known as “jansou” or “janso,” vary in their atmosphere and clientele, as you’ve observed. While some may be associated with shady activities, many are legitimate businesses where people come to enjoy playing Mahjong. To answer your three questions:

1. Playing with friends or strangers: In most Mahjong parlors, you have the option to either play with friends or join a table with random people. If you visit a parlor with friends, you can rent a table and play together. If you are alone or looking for a more competitive experience, you can join a table with other players who are also looking for a game. Many parlors have a system to match players based on their skill level or preferences.
2. Making money: Mahjong parlors generally make money by charging players a table fee or an hourly rate for their seat. Some parlors may charge a flat rate for a set period of time, while others may use a pay-as-you-go system. Additional income is generated from selling food, drinks, and other amenities, such as renting Mahjong sets or offering optional services like keeping score electronically. Some parlors may also sell Mahjong-related merchandise. It’s worth noting that not all Mahjong parlors take a cut of the bets, as this would be considered gambling and is illegal in Japan.
3. Handling money and gambling legality: Gambling is indeed illegal in Japan, but Mahjong parlors operate in a legal gray area. Players typically use non-cash “point sticks” or “point cards” to keep track of their scores and bets during the game. At the end of the session, players can exchange their points for prizes or cash. Since the exchange happens after the game and not directly at the table, it circumvents the gambling law. This system is similar to pachinko parlors, another popular form of legal gambling in Japan.

Mahjong parlors have varying degrees of enforcement and oversight, and some may still engage in illegal gambling activities. It’s important to be cautious and make sure you understand the specific rules and practices of the Mahjong parlor you’re visiting. However, many Mahjong parlors are legitimate establishments where people enjoy playing the game, whether for fun or friendly competition, without engaging in illegal activities.