A CYPRIOT GAME
THE POPULAR PINBALL-TYPE GAME THAT IS ALSO KNOWN AS 'STREET ROULETTE'
A TRADITIONAL CYPRIOT PASS-TIME
A TRADITIONAL GAME
Kazanti, is a traditional game that is rooted in Cypriot street culture. The popular engaging pinball-type lottery game, often captures the spirit of community and celebration. It is played in the street at most street festivals and public gatherings on the island.
A GREAT DEAL OF LUCK
Playing the game is easy and it needs a slight blend of skill and some basic strategy. Luck however, is the defining factor. So much so, that the game has often been referred to as a type of street roulette.
NO CASH PRIZES
The popular game does not offer any cash prizes like roulette. Instead, winning participants are given prizes that are usually on display.
AN OLD SCHOOL GAME
It could be said that in a world increasingly dominated by digital entertainment, the tactile, face-to-face interactions, provided by the game, help to foster a sense of community and togetherness. Moreover, the revival of interest in folk traditions has ensured that interest in the game has remained prominent on the island.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
THE ORIGINS OF HTE GAME
Though the exact date of the game’s inception remains unclear, references to similar games are found in several ancient texts. This implicates a longstanding tradition of competitive play among the island’s inhabitants. The game likely evolved from simpler forms of folk games that were often played in rural communities. These games were later adapted to accompany urban street festivals.
PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT
The concept of public entertainment has become increasingly popular over the years. Today, public gatherings and festivals, where kazanti is played, help to promote social cohesion. These events allow communities to come together to celebrate shared experiences, values, and history, whilst having fun.
EYES FIRMLY ON THE PRIZE
A REGULATED GAME
Kazanti is typically played in an outdoor setting. A specially modified van or small truck is usually used to set one up and a permit is required to operate one.
A GAME OF CHANCE
The rules of the game are simplistic, so the game appeals to people of all ages. This essentially is a game chance that is simple in its structure. It still requires, however, a combination of skill, tactical thinking, and a great deal of luck. A player purchases one or more cards. These are usually configured with a series of random printed numbers. The player then pulls a spring that launches a small ball into a field with numbers, much like a pinball game. At some point the ball, which uses gravity, stops at a random number. If the player has the same number on their card, then they receive a prize.
10 FACTS ABOUT KAZANTI
- Kazanti is an incredibly popular game in Cyprus that also known as ‘street roulette’.
- Although the game is known as ‘street roulette’, the mechanics of the game are based more on a pinball and lottery principle.
- Kazanti keeps a longstanding tradition of competitive play among the island’s inhabitants.
- The strategy for the game lies in the ‘strength of the pull’ meaning that the player can control the strength with which the ball is launched, influencing where the ball will land.
- Typical prizes include children’s toys, scooters, skateboards, or small household interior items such as aquariums, clocks, figurines, or lamps.
- Kazanti is a very fast game, and it only takes a few seconds for the ball to land on a number.
- Kazanti vans can be found at most celebrations, festivals and other public events.
- Kazanti is a licensed regulated activity and a special kazanti permit is required to set one up.
- Each owner of a kazanti can independently set the price for each game depending on the value of the prize.
- A game played for a small item may cost 1 or 2 euros, whilst more substantial prizes could cost between 5 or 10 euros per game.
