Pachinko parlors are as popular as ever in Japan, and that's a problem during the COVID-19 coronavirus. Despite the current state of emergency there, evidently a number of pachinko parlors are ignoring orders to shut down.

Pachinko parlors are similar to western slot machines, offering players a way to unofficially gamble and win prizes. According to a number of tweets coming out of Japan, while some pachinko parlors have acquiesced to the Governor of Tokyo's order for businesses like these to be shut down, others have ignored the order and stayed open. The tweets show pachinko parlors overflowing with customers, with some even standing outside waiting for a seat to open up.

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This is obviously a big problem considering that the coronavirus is known for being particularly contagious. Most businesses in the U.S. that have remained open are requiring patrons to stay at least six feet away from each other at all times, but pachinko parlors have their patrons sit elbow-to-elbow. Needless to say, concerns are high that the open pachinko parlors could worsen the pandemic.

One of the biggest chains of pachinko parlors, Dynam, has closed half its locations and is apparently being careful to wipe down surfaces with alcohol. However, even that chain noted that social distancing measures are left up to each individual parlor, so customers may still end up sitting too close together.

Other than publicly naming the parlors that haven't closed, it remains to be seen what, if anything, the government will do about these businesses.

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Source: Kotaku