Fake online stores reveal gamblers' shadow banking system
This sounds somewhat similar to the polite fiction of Japanese Pachinko parlors [1].<p>&quot;Taniguchi swapped the tray of thousands of winning silver balls for a receipt, which in turn was swappable for alcohol, toys or other prizes. To get money, you need to ask for the “special prize” tokens. These are plastic gold-coloured tokens that can be swapped for cash -- but not within the pachinko parlour. Instead, they are cashed in at TUC shops that are always located nearby and exist as a legal loophole enabling you to win money in a country that technically forbids gambling.&quot;<p>1 - <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.bbc.com&#x2F;travel&#x2F;story&#x2F;20120815-the-big-business-of-japans-pachinko-parlours" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.bbc.com&#x2F;travel&#x2F;story&#x2F;20120815-the-big-business-of...</a>