Kakegurui (賭ケグルイ), also known as Compulsive Gambler, is a thrilling psychological anime that dives deep into the dangerous world of gambling, strategy, and power.
Adapted from the manga written by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Tōru Naomura, the anime was produced by studio MAPPA and originally aired between 2017 and 2019. If you enjoy intense psychological dramas with bold characters and twisted games, you can watch Kakegurui for free on Aniwatch.
A unique school where status depends on gambling
Set in Hyakkaou Private Academy—a school reserved for the elite children of Japan’s wealthiest and most influential families—Kakegurui introduces a system where academic grades mean little. Instead, a student’s status and power are determined by their gambling prowess.
Those who win gain fame, fortune, and control; those who lose become house pets, forced to wear degrading tags and eventually accept “Life Schedules” that decide their futures. This brutal hierarchy keeps students on edge—and makes every bet a battle for survival.
Meet Yumeko Jabami: the compulsive gambler
The anime begins with the arrival of Yumeko Jabami, a mysterious and beautiful transfer student. At first glance, she seems refined and kind, but her true nature is revealed in her love for high-risk, high-reward gambling. Yumeko isn’t in it for money or power—she thrives on the thrill of the game, often gambling recklessly to expose her opponents’ deceit.
Yumeko quickly shakes the foundation of Hyakkaou’s social order, challenging the corrupt Student Council, including its cold and calculating president, Kirari Momobami. Alongside classmates like Ryota Suzui and Mary Saotome, Yumeko’s battles become increasingly dangerous, both physically and psychologically.
Visually stunning and intellectually stimulating
With slick animation by MAPPA, Kakegurui is visually captivating. The characters’ intense expressions and dramatic shifts in tone perfectly reflect the tension of each gamble. The use of close-ups, twisted smiles, and extreme emotions enhances the suspense, while the vibrant color palette mirrors the chaos of high-stakes risk.
The anime’s storytelling blends psychological warfare, game theory, and social commentary. Each gambling match isn’t just about money—it’s about manipulation, fear, control, and ego. Viewers are drawn into games involving poker, card guessing, Russian roulette, and even original mind-bending challenges created by the Student Council.
Spin-offs and adaptations
Due to its popularity, Kakegurui spawned multiple spin-offs. Kakegurui XX is the second anime season, expanding the stakes with new characters like Rei Batsubami. Kakegurui Twin, both a manga and anime spin-off, focuses on Mary Saotome’s backstory before Yumeko’s arrival.
There are also live-action adaptations, including a drama series and two films, which follow the original story with some creative liberties. These adaptations explore character depth in new ways and are available on streaming platforms like Netflix in many regions.
Watch Kakegurui for free
Whether you’re new to anime or a long-time fan of psychological thrillers, Kakegurui offers an unforgettable ride through a world where bluffing, courage, and insanity collide.
You can stream all episodes of Kakegurui, including Kakegurui XX and Kakegurui Twin, for free on Aniwatch. Just be ready to place your bets—because once you start watching, it’s hard to stop.
Daiane de Souza | 0007147/SC
