Both are based on Manga by the same author, so expect the same character designs right from the get-go. Both also involve life or death gambles. The only real difference is that Akagi is purely a Mahjong series, and most of Akagi's gambles are merely for the thrill of it, rather than Kaiji's gambles which are merely to survive. The titular characters from both shows also have the same voice actor, who plays both roles brilliantly.

Both anime series follows the same style and involves Nobuyuki Fukumoto, who is the author & director of the adapted series. Hence, they both have very similar themes mainly involved with gambling. The artwork are very similar if not the same for both anime series; same anime production studio Madhouse is involved. Both anime series also plays on the psychological factors of the various gambling matches. The main male protagonist seems to be an intellectual individual who tries to stay ahead of the game. There is strategies involved in their games and thus creates tension every episode.