noun
three-shop system; pachinko prize-exchange system
A legal workaround used by pachinko parlors in Japan: a player exchanges won balls for a 'special prize' at the parlor, then takes it to a separate, nominally independent shop to exchange for cash, thereby circumventing gambling laws.
パチンコ店は三店方式で現金を提供している。
Pachinko parlors provide cash through the three-shop system.
三店方式は日本のギャンブル規制の抜け穴として知られている。
The three-shop system is known as a loophole in Japan's gambling regulations.
From 三 (three) + 店 (shop) + 方式 (system), referring to the three separate entities involved: the pachinko parlor, a prize-exchange shop, and a wholesaler.