How Do You Think About UFO Catcher?

[jcojci]

A few weeks ago, I took my nephew shopping at one of the big supermarkets in my city. While waiting for the cashier to count my groceries, my nephew whined about playing a game in one of the corners of the supermarket.

My wife was confused because my nephew kept pointing to one of those games. And after exchanging some money for coins, my nephew went straight to the doll claw machine, the UFO Catcher. In one go, my nephew could catch one doll and we were confused and asked each other, how did she catch the doll?

An illustration of a doll claw machine or UFO Catcher is below.

Source: https://assets.indozone.news/local/5e607e201b1b5.jpg

This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

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[qwertyup23]

There are tons of claw machines (UFO Catcher) in the Philippines. They are easily accessible in arcade places which are visited generally by kids and young adults which can be found on almost every mall. Unfortunately, the game is somehow rigged in a way that the claw is slippery and the spring of the claw is quite impactful. T

I tried playing this several times and I never won a prize. There were also times where I would get the doll but as soon as the claw pulls its string back, the impact would cause the doll to fall. This somehow gives me the false impression that I have to try and try again to win the prize.

[Daltonik]

Yes, it seems to me that catching and delivering a prize for this kind of machines is not an easy task due to the capture settings and movements of the manipulator, no matter how much I tried, I never managed to catch anything, the manipulator is too fast, and the capture is very sensitive.
As for getting used to devices of this type in children, to be honest, I have never seen them have any queue of children, it seems to me even children understand that this is a waste of time.

[uneng]

I agree these machines should belong to the gambling category. When I was younger I was constantly trying to get some prizes from claw machines, although I never got anything, just wasted my money. Some of them are filled with dolls, others with technological gadgets, candies and in US I know they have machines filled with dollars in paper money. It's common to find plenty of them at malls. At youtube there are channels focused on this kind of activity. There are people who claim they are making a living from this, especially picking dollars with the claw in US, although what actually happens is that players are making it possible for machines' owners to make a living for themselves just by placing those machines in different spots at crowded areas.

[avikz]

I believe we all have played it during our childhood. Such kind of Claw machines are still found in big malls in almost all countries and their main consumers are children. I don't think it's harmful in any way till the time they are catching soft toys and chocolates with it. They do not form gambling habit due to such games. This is something we are overthinking.

Gambling is a serious business. When the kids are attracted to money, then it won't be a great thing and that's when the guardians need to get serious.

[YOSHIE]

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

For children it's a fun game, it's a game that most children like, especially girls, with cute and adorable dolls that many children have always dreamed of.

That game almost every shopping center such as mall has the game, by using claws, I often do games for my family, unfortunately sometimes it irritates me dozens of coins come in and cards are swiped, always makes me angry, not the doll I got in the claw machine box, really annoying.

Maybe, I thought a game like that was easy to play and get, it turned out I was wrong, I just didn't get anything, I think this is a game of picking up dolls, just a game of children's fun and luck, spending 100 coins, one doll gets.

[Piesel]

I use to pay for my kids to play such games in the mall and most cases I load some credit on the gaming card so they continue to play until the credit gets exhausted or they keep winning more free spin and credits them from playing the game.

Not until now I never have thought of it being considered gambling because I was wired to think that their actions were just for fun but they win some prizes just as we do in real casinos.

[panjul07]

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.
What's your thought?

Seriously? Can you give a valid information about countries that ban this kind of game?
If the reason is because it can lead to addiction in children then theses countries should ban all kind of games.
Basically any kind of game may lead to an addiction including mobile games where children can use money to buy something in order to play the game or to upgrade their account.

Have you ever played this kind of game?

Sure, it is available to be played in my countries there is no age requirement to play this game.
It is just an entertainment, we should not take it as a bad thing that can lead to addiction.

[WeedGoW]

Very popular in Japan among other machines like gacha capsule, slot as Japanese consider them the norm even though they have a gambling element. If you think those UFO catchers only require skill, don't! There is pressure randomness on that grabber to make the game even more unpredictable if the reward in the UFO catchers was at a high value. TBH, I rather gamble where odds are more transparent like sports betting than try my luck with the UFO Catcher.

[acroman08]

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

Yes, I've played this game before and yeah, it's a form of gambling but a lot of people don't see it that way because the prizes are toys. and to be honest these things are no different than those loot boxes people buy on MMORPG games. what's worse with these claw machines is that majority of them are rigged. the owner of these claw machines can program it so it only gives a reward after "X" times of attempts.

[Hispo]

Yes, i played several times on those machines when I was younger, there are not very common here in my country but it is possible to find them in Arcade stores.  I never won anything on those machines, to be honest which made me feel a bit disappointed even tho my father warned me that he considered those machines to be basically an "scam". I don't regret tohave played on them whatsoever it was part of my chilhood.

i assume UFO Catchers will eventually disappear around here, since children now prefer to stay home and play videogames over going out to arcades.

[|MINER|]

A few years ago I was introduced to this type of game.  I came across this machine at a resort when I was traveling with my wife. I played a few rounds but didn't make much profit.  At one point this game drove me crazy because I'm a very impatient person.  I think this game is perfect for patient people and can also be played in gambling queues.

[noorman0]

Yes I saw this game machine a few months ago booming around where I live, they are on the terraces of every grocery store. In the end, the city government issued a ban on the installation of claw machines because it was included in the category of gambling that was not suitable for children to play.

Seriously? Can you give a valid information about countries that ban this kind of game?

Malaysia's Ministry of Religion has banned this game since 2019. Although it is not an absolute ban, as long as the majority of Malaysia's population is Muslim, the rule will be an orientation.

[nakamura12]

If a child is exposed to many things like that then i am sure sooner or later that child will get into gambling since the child wanted to spend some money just to get what he desired that he saw on the machine. Gambling is similar to that where you have to risk your money to earn big bucks. Just educate the child that being a gambler is not a good way to earn money and how it will affect your life not just in financial but also emotional.

[cabron]

Kids wouldn't mind spending real money to play these sort of game because they already think tokens they were using isn't the real money. Its sort of the play money already or chips in casino.

I never look at it that way until you pointed it out. Spending those coins to win a stuffed toy sounds like a gamble in a away. I have some nephews who could also catch those toys not just this UFO catcher. Made me gave some coins for them to divert attention so we could catch up with their dad.

[suzanne5223]

Yes, it seems to me that catching and delivering a prize for this kind of machines is not an easy task due to the capture settings and movements of the manipulator, no matter how much I tried, I never managed to catch anything, the manipulator is too fast, and the capture is very sensitive.
As for getting used to devices of this type in children, to be honest, I have never seen them have any queue of children, it seems to me even children understand that this is a waste of time.

You have a point because the UFO catcher is a tricky game and winning something big when playing it depends on the fair setting used by the owner, the player's composure, and luck. However, this is another form of gambling, and the player also needs to keep his/her buzz in check to avoid addiction.
In the meantime, the fun in it is worth trying the game.

[Slow death]

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

I confess that I cannot understand how this game could lead children to become addicted when it is a game in which children can only play if their parents have time to take them to the place (which most of the time always is a place very far from people's homes) and children can play, and we also have to take into account that most parents work a lot, so they don't have much time to go for walks with their children and take them to these places. that has these games, so how would kids become addicted to these kind of games if they can't even play constantly, maybe it can even go 1, 2 or more than 3 months without them even playing it

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

unfortunately i have never played it, and it is definitely something i would play if i had the opportunity, but here in my country it is very far from where i live and i don't have time to leave the house and go play it, one day i will play it

If a child is exposed to many things like that then i am sure sooner or later that child will get into gambling since the child wanted to spend some money just to get what he desired that he saw on the machine. Gambling is similar to that where you have to risk your money to earn big bucks. Just educate the child that being a gambler is not a good way to earn money and how it will affect your life not just in financial but also emotional.

children have no idea about the things they do and that's why they hardly get addicted to gambling, because they have many other things to play, for children games are just fun, they don't have goals like: "I have 10$ so I have to play to get 100$". Children don't have this mindset, that's why they don't get addicted as easily as adults or young people.

[nakamura12]

children have no idea about the things they do and that's why they hardly get addicted to gambling, because they have many other things to play, for children games are just fun, they don't have goals like: "I have 10$ so I have to play to get 100$". Children don't have this mindset, that's why they don't get addicted as easily as adults or young people.

Well that's very true. They don't have any idea that when they do play that game is that they are risking something just to get something and which in this case is they risk rheir money to get the doll. Once they know about it then they'll surely do it again by  risking what they have. In my country, age starting from 6 or 7 are already betting against another at the same age or not. I myself was also like that when I was 8 years old and at that time I did experienced where we came to an agreement that we bet our money on which one will win and I did won several times. Anyway, if you compare the total amount of money involved that time versus the total amount of money that a gambler spend on a casino is nothing close but because of that it experience before, I started gambling before I stopped.

[Hamphser]

There are tons of claw machines (UFO Catcher) in the Philippines. They are easily accessible in arcade places which are visited generally by kids and young adults which can be found on almost every mall. Unfortunately, the game is somehow rigged in a way that the claw is slippery and the spring of the claw is quite impactful. T

I tried playing this several times and I never won a prize. There were also times where I would get the doll but as soon as the claw pulls its string back, the impact would cause the doll to fall. This somehow gives me the false impression that I have to try and try again to win the prize.

Its business!

It would be understandable that they would really be that not easy to pull off those dolls considering that the token price to be put up on a slot is cents in equivalent i believe or very cheap.

So it would be common sense that it would be a tough one but not impossible since there are people who do able to manage on getting those dolls despite of those claws on being soft
and the clamping power isnt really that strong or tight.

So play for fun and not trying out to spend up which would be possibly be more than on the prize that you are aiming for.

[famososMuertos]

...///::,,,

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

I don't know! Sometimes I don't deny that anyone user can are out of that On-Topic/Board route, we all go through it at some point, but what does this game have to do with what we tried to do in the discussion about betting here at gambling.

I remember a long time ago someone posted something about some bets of spiders, it involved even minors were involved, it was something bizarre.

I never thought that someone could come and try to make a topic of one of the traditional games for adults and children that perhaps exist anywhere in the world and that after so many years since its creation, it is only putting money and knowing what to get an object/thing from game, that's like winning the lottery, haha.

Please if this topic reaches page 5, surely close it. Ty.

[decodx]

But are these types of games really gambling, or actually skill-based?

What I mean is, imagine playing this game day after day, I bet you'd be pretty good at it after a while. That means the game is skill-based, right? Of course, luck still plays a big role, but isn't that true of all skill-based games?

[goaldigger]

This might be a form of gambling but for the Children, this is their way of having fun.
In my country, you can see a lot of arcades in the malls and this has been the activity not just for the kids but also fort the teenager who wants to have fun. This has become a family bonding every weekend in my country. I played that UFO catcher and that’s really a hard game to catch the prize, we should not be focus on the gambling side and just have fun playing the games.

[DoublerHunter]

But are these types of games really gambling, or actually skill-based?
~snip~

^Everything that has a prize pool could be gambling, it belongs to gambling but not literally gambling.
It is fun for the children but if those children frequently buy coins and chase for the doll that they will get, it turns out into an addictive game.
That could be triggered their ability to gamble, at an early stage we should teach them to put a limit on themselves and not to continue if they don't have enough funds. Because they are children, the prize is also good for them and it is very tempted to chase the prize.

[coin-investor]

This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

I played this kind of game before but was not able to catch any dolls in my first 5 attempts but my niece can easily catch one, I don't look at it like that, its more of a challenge to me because it involves skills right timing and positioning, it's not based luck once you learn the skill and knows what dolls are in the right position you could get him out, children are good at this because of their eagerness to get a doll, but for us adult it's a big obstacle.

[lionheart78]

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

I think UFO catcher is just a game that enables us to enhance our imagination, calculation,, and coordination.  I have tried this game and it really needs the skill to win on this one.  I can barely consider it gambling because it can be easily beaten if a person is skilled enough to operate the machine and catch a doll in every drop of coins they inserted. We can say it is under the wagering category but not all wagering can be considered as gambling.

[Mahanton]

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

I think UFO catcher is just a game that enables us to enhance our imagination, calculation,, and coordination.  I have tried this game and it really needs the skill to win on this one.  I can barely consider it gambling because it can be easily beaten if a person is skilled enough to operate the machine and catch a doll in every drop of coins they inserted. We can say it is under the wagering category but not all wagering can be considered as gambling.

Doesnt really need that enhancement or calculation or coordination because you arent using up those things because you are just trying to point out that claw on using a knob then you would really be pressing that
button for that claw to pull the stuff.Yes, angle might matter but it would be totally in random since you cant really able to place it out on the right position for you to pull off something.
Its not a gambling but if you are really that ending up on spending that much just because you are dedicated to get some reward then you are molding that kind of behavior of a
gambler.

[Wexnident]

This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

If you go strictly by the definition of gambling, then no not really since these types of machines use other types of tokens to be able to play and you're technically not getting money back but rather items. Not to mention claw machines aren't strictly luck-based games.

I wouldn't really consider this as them learning of addiction or considering this as gambling, rather this kind of thing actually gives off an entertainment vibe instead due to the prizes that you'd be able to receive or redeem. It's pretty far from it to be honest. If I were to be completely blunt though, it's just business. If this was considered gambling, a LOT of businesses would be considered as one imo.

[darkangel11]

Very popular in Japan among other machines like gacha capsule, slot as Japanese consider them the norm even though they have a gambling element. If you think those UFO catchers only require skill, don't! There is pressure randomness on that grabber to make the game even more unpredictable if the reward in the UFO catchers was at a high value. TBH, I rather gamble where odds are more transparent like sports betting than try my luck with the UFO Catcher.

I saw videos on youtube of a guy who tries to perfect his skill with these machines and he definitely had some better runs than most other people. Maybe a 30% success rate? I don't really remember. Anyway, he was able to clean the machines and give toys away to children who were watching the whole operation. I don't think it's worth it though. These toys are usually cheap, Chinese-made ones and you'd have to be successful on your first try to make it worth the risk.

[coolcoinz]

I've played it and I saw people lose a lot of money on these because you can be 100% on point and the toy would still slip from the claw. I saw things slip out when it was already up.
Some machines are rigged so that they go up faster and more violently to shake the claw a bit more and drop everything that isn't holding strong.
There are also machines where you can get a phone or other gadgets like watches.

They used to be very popular at seaside resorts, but now I rarely see them.

[fortunecrypto]

But are these types of games really gambling, or actually skill-based?

It's gambling if you don know the trick or you don't have a technique and its skill-based if you know how what and how to claw
check out this video and see how good this guy is getting out those dolls in the cage
Claw Machine Hack They Don't Want You To Know!

What I mean is, imagine playing this game day after day, I bet you'd be pretty good at it after a while. That means the game is skill-based, right? Of course, luck still plays a big role, but isn't that true of all skill-based games?

Yeah, practice makes perfect but it's better to start with a good technique and look at what dolls are ripe for picking based on their position, I don't consider this gambling if you study how these things work.

[dothebeats]

I agree that this somewhat teaches kids to gamble, as they are taking their chances on the claw machine thing to get some stuffed toy or whatever is in the box. It is up to the parents how will they control their kids to not get the idea that they can win more with this kind of thing as they grow old. Kids that grow into adults that are a trouble to the society are often exposed to an environment that is not nurturing and is promoting bad activities. If the parents can somehow show these kids that it's okay to take your chance on something but do not rely everything on such activities to get where you want to be, I think it will be fine and safe. It's on how you train your kids to think IMO and also how you introduce things to them.

[OgNasty]

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

I only recently learned how these machines worked.  I always thought there was some skill involved as a kid, like this was the one game I could get over on.  However, now that I've learned it is just as much a game of chance as everything else, I'm a bit let down.  Spoiler Alert: The pressure that the claws use to grab things changes every attempt and only every so often is strong enough to pick up one of the prizes.

[ethereumhunter]

I never play this game with my kids because I do not allow them to play any games in the mall except to buy what we want and then go home as soon as possible. So I do not know about that game but as a parent, I think I see some kids in my environment ask their parents to go to the mall and just want to play many games at their place. I thought that could lead them to learn about the passion of playing that game. Maybe it is not gambling but it surely teaches kids about addiction that they do not know at their ages.

But soon after they grow up, they will explore other things that can give another addiction and somehow, they will know about gambling, although that is not the same as what we play at the casino. But still, that is gambling in the end.

[ralle14]

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

Played it several times before and I remember playing other games that are similar to gambling but instead of winning money you could get one of those high-value prizes or tokens which can be usually bought from the entrance of the arcade. I agree it could lead to addiction but then again there are so many games that are accessible online and offer a similar experience so I think it still comes down to the parent's awareness and how they'll guide their children bit by bit in order to prevent that path to gambling addiction in the future.

[UserU]

I only recently learned how these machines worked.  I always thought there was some skill involved as a kid, like this was the one game I could get over on.  However, now that I've learned it is just as much a game of chance as everything else, I'm a bit let down.  Spoiler Alert: The pressure that the claws use to grab things changes every attempt and only every so often is strong enough to pick up one of the prizes.

Well, that's how those operators earn a living when kids don't even know about the mechanisms behind the whole machine but the person who developed this concept is really a genius.

Just like those carnival games, you're better off buying the real thing.

[aioc]

They're making money out of the kids but if the kids learned tricks on how to claw this doll, its the operator that will suffer, I have seen some kids good at clawing those dolls and if you Google it or check out Youtube videos, there are tricks and methods to do this, it's gambling for those first trying it or do not know the tricks but for those who's playing these for a long time and discovered tricks on how to claw it its skill and cannot be considered gambling, there are kids who are curious on how to do this properly and will search or create their own tricks, so the risk is on the operator.

[Silberman]

A few weeks ago, I took my nephew shopping at one of the big supermarkets in my city. While waiting for the cashier to count my groceries, my nephew whined about playing a game in one of the corners of the supermarket.

My wife was confused because my nephew kept pointing to one of those games. And after exchanging some money for coins, my nephew went straight to the doll claw machine, the UFO Catcher. In one go, my nephew could catch one doll and we were confused and asked each other, how did she catch the doll?

This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

You know I never thought of those games as a form of gambling but you are right, they were very popular in arcades back in the day and you can still find them everywhere, however in the case of the video games you could play at the arcade you got exactly what you paid for and if you were good at the game you could play for a long time with your money, however when it came to those machines you could spend all your money and get nothing, so I think I will agree with the governments which have banned them, since kids should not be gambling with their money on those machines.

[Haunebu]

Had no idea what a UFO Catcher was until you mentioned claw machine which is why the title needs to be modified op. Coming to the machine itself, I've played with them when I was small and had a ton of fun even though it's frustrating sometimes.

It's gambling alright, but you won't lose a ton of money gambling with these machines when compared to traditional casino games like slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat etc.

Another advantage of these machines is the fact that you need to use small denomination coins to play which many people don't have access to these days.

[adzino]

A few weeks ago, I took my nephew shopping at one of the big supermarkets in my city. While waiting for the cashier to count my groceries, my nephew whined about playing a game in one of the corners of the supermarket.

My wife was confused because my nephew kept pointing to one of those games. And after exchanging some money for coins, my nephew went straight to the doll claw machine, the UFO Catcher. In one go, my nephew could catch one doll and we were confused and asked each other, how did she catch the doll?

An illustration of a doll claw machine or UFO Catcher is below.
-snip-
This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

I am confused why you and your wife were confused... Confused about what? Confused because the kids wanted to kid stuffs?

And I wouldn't call those claw machines a form of gambling. I wouldn't worry of them becoming a gambling addict because they played one round of those claw machines. I bet none of the kids would be interested to play again after they managed to win something once. If you call this gambling, then all games at the arcade can be considered as gambling. After all you win tokens playing games which you can later redeem for prizes.

[bittraffic]

A few weeks ago, I took my nephew shopping at one of the big supermarkets in my city. While waiting for the cashier to count my groceries, my nephew whined about playing a game in one of the corners of the supermarket.

My wife was confused because my nephew kept pointing to one of those games. And after exchanging some money for coins, my nephew went straight to the doll claw machine, the UFO Catcher. In one go, my nephew could catch one doll and we were confused and asked each other, how did she catch the doll?

An illustration of a doll claw machine or UFO Catcher is below.
-snip-
This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

I am confused why you and your wife were confused... Confused about what? Confused because the kids wanted to kid stuffs?

And I wouldn't call those claw machines a form of gambling. I wouldn't worry of them becoming a gambling addict because they played one round of those claw machines. I bet none of the kids would be interested to play again after they managed to win something once. If you call this gambling, then all games at the arcade can be considered as gambling. After all you win tokens playing games which you can later redeem for prizes.

Just what I thought so. But I'm not so sure about them not playing again of course when there is a reward after winning, they'd come back or maybe try some other games. I use to play these sorts of games.

I wouldn't still consider this a gambling activity because we have tried this sort of entertainment besides the shopping malls. This is like a recreation area for kids while their parents are busy choosing groceries.

[davis196]

This topic belongs to the Gambling Discussion forum, not the Gambling forum.
I've never seen such machines in my country. Perhaps they are banned where I live.
I don't consider claw machines to be actual gambling machines, because the objective of the game isn't winning money.
It's simply winning a toy. This is more like a "pay-to-play" or "pay-to-win" game rather than an actual gambling game.
Banning such games would be equal to banning almost all "pay-to-win" mobile games on the Apple and Google Play store. The people, who play mobile games don't want to win money, but they are incentivized to buy in-game currencies, in order to win the game.

[robelneo]

This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

If you looked that way then it's gambling, if your children use skill to try to get a doll then its a game, it's more challenging than slot because you need timing here and you need to know the right doll to claw, I have seen a lot of tricks on how to claw dolls, it's not cheating but you need skill and timing to do this, so your children that you can get things through timing and right method to use.

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

It's legal here in our country and it's included in a game and theme parks some Mall here in our country included this game and we have seen it in many recreational parks here, I guess its how every country define this kind of game

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

I played this on one occasion but I got irritated seeing I cannot even get one doll while in ten tries other kids got theirs in one or two tries I thought that might as well buy one instead of getting myself embarrassed  

[iv4n]

You know that saying about gambling, the first win gets you hooked!

My daughter won a bear with her first coin! 6 coins for a dollar, and there are those riding toys and this catcher... I was standing and watching her playing around and in one moment she went to this catcher, she was moving that stick without any sense, from one end to another (30 seconds), I was laughing cause she was small and she couldn't even see what she is doing... when time expired claw went down and she got a bear! I couldn't believe it! Now we play those games whenever we see one! I play it as well, but she is luckier than me!

When I was a kid we had arcade games, you need a coin to play... and you play until you use your lives (2-3 depending on a game)! I never thought about these games as gambling, it's just fun... if you wish to play you need coins, that's it! Good fun is rarely cheap, you need coins or equipment, and you need to pay for something to have fun! I see gambling in the same way (and I am close to 40) if we wish to have some fun we need to spend money! I will try to teach my kids to be aware of what life is, to know that fun costs, and how to never spend too much on it! There're other important things in life except for fun and entertainment! It's ok to have fun, but we need to have some limits!

[FatFork]

There is no doubt that this type of machine is designed to maximize profit for the owner. They have variable PSI strength settings for the claws, and they only give out toys as often as state regulations require. Until recently, I had no idea that there were state regulations concerning this type of amusement.

Here's an article about it: https://kotaku.com/why-yes-those-claw-machines-are-rigged-says-arcade-op-5929888

Thus, we cannot talk about a skill-based game here if the game has settings that determine the frequency of winning prizes, as, for example, slot machines do.

[Docnaster]

Claw crane fun games are were popular in early 80s and I have the opinion that they are no longer in demand for now. It could be that because many people have discovered that it is a rigged game where the owners set every working process of the game.
I don't like it for children and I will not allow my children play it. I will rather like a grocery store to have an educational game, where a child can answer simple education questions and win something for themselves.

[Adbitco]

Firstly we can see it as a common game which everyone plays and seems to be pleasing and making impacts in children's life to both adults but there is something to be considered.

Naturally we call it game right? Yes!
But do you actually know that such games leads to much exposure, coupled with exchanging local currency to coin makes it looks more of gambling which is not idea for a kids under 18 years to place a game.
What makes it not recommendable for Kids is where you have to exchange fiat for coin at this aspect you the Uncle have literally initiated the knowledged of gambling to him or her.

If exchanging money to coin can be excluded then is okay for kids to play around with it, about adult who is above 18 years can exchange fiat to coin and play with it otherwise we can call it gambling because there is a chance to win and lose money. I can assure you that in most cases the machine can be configured in a way were they could frequently loose instead of winning.

[decodx]

If exchanging money to coin can be excluded then is okay for kids to play around with it, <...>

I don't understand what does exchanging money for coins have to do with it? And, what do you mean by "coin"? In most countries around the world, physical coins are still money, just like paper money.
It doesn't make sense to define gambling in that way.

[dothebeats]

Claw crane fun games are were popular in early 80s and I have the opinion that they are no longer in demand for now. It could be that because many people have discovered that it is a rigged game where the owners set every working process of the game.
I don't like it for children and I will not allow my children play it. I will rather like a grocery store to have an educational game, where a child can answer simple education questions and win something for themselves.

A lot of people are still hooked into claw games. Some are still hoping that they are the ones whom will the jackpot will favor. I know that it is guaranteed to give a prize at x amount of bets specified by the creator of the game and I can't help but try it sometimes if I pass by an arcade. A lot of kids and their parents are still trying to win that thing even though it's rigged. You can't really deny the charm of a game of chance with enticing prizes, especially to kids.

[seoincorporation]

I have played this kind of game in the past, and for me those machines feels rigged, to be direct, the gripper doesn't have enough strength to grab. This is from my experience. But at the same time i have seen videos of people getting banned from this games for winning to much, and other videos where people use magnets to take the prices without spending money.

I don't think this could lead to a gambling addiction to the kids, because they play for fun and not really for the prize.

[Shamm]

There are tons of claw machines (UFO Catcher) in the Philippines. They are easily accessible in arcade places which are visited generally by kids and young adults which can be found on almost every mall. Unfortunately, the game is somehow rigged in a way that the claw is slippery and the spring of the claw is quite impactful. T

I tried playing this several times and I never won a prize. There were also times where I would get the doll but as soon as the claw pulls its string back, the impact would cause the doll to fall. This somehow gives me the false impression that I have to try and try again to win the prize.

If we play in this game it's required a high lucky moment to win the prizes.
Yes you are right that mate here in Philippines many of these kind of game especially in malls or supermarket honestly I'll try this game too and believe me or not from my 100,PHP convert it to a coin i did not win this kind of game it's hard for me to catch the doll in the claw. Maybe I am not lucky enough for these kind of game.

[PX-Z]

Maybe I am not lucky enough for these kind of game.

Fortunately, we have lots of stuff toys already like a 6x6 ft cabinet is full of stuff toys, all from playing UFO catcher. Some of them were already given to my niece and nephews as gifts. It's like we can get at least 1 every time we visit and play there. It just stop when pandemic comes. And now still go there since its not strict and most of these stores ^{(tom's world)} are already open and operating.

For OP's term comparing this UFO catcher to gambling, i guess its fine. Since its only indirectly doing stuff like gambling ^{(i cant say its gambling though)}. If i can remember as young as 5 I already play like rubber band games and side bets as money bets if who will win for every round but look i never  experienced get addicted to them or any kind of gambling. Just know your limits and bet moderately.

[|MINER|]

snip

I can't agree with you. Because I think there is no need to increase the amount of money to call as gambling.  I think that all sports or game who have an uncertain outcome result and betting money on those sports or game is called gambling.  And here bet  is ufo catcher game ticket price.  So I want to put this game in gambling category.

[Jemzx00]

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

As far as I know, Gambling games are rewarded through monetary value, which is in this case where a claw machine is involve, they are rewarded with toys, tickets, tokens and/or even foods on some places. So, I would disagree that these games can be considered as gambling games but rather they are made purely for fun.

But still if you look into most games on an arcade, you'll be amazed that if they are rewarded with real money instead of tickets and toys, then most or even all of it can be used for gambling and on a casino.

[Eureka_07]

<snip>
What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

Man, I have played it many times and I do not have a very good wins from this claw machine. I played it a lot when I were on highschool, but a year ago I was able to watch what technique I should use in order to win from this game. Now, what I think
about  claw machine is that it requires timing and combination for you to be able to grab and win.

[Fortify]

A few weeks ago, I took my nephew shopping at one of the big supermarkets in my city. While waiting for the cashier to count my groceries, my nephew whined about playing a game in one of the corners of the supermarket.

My wife was confused because my nephew kept pointing to one of those games. And after exchanging some money for coins, my nephew went straight to the doll claw machine, the UFO Catcher. In one go, my nephew could catch one doll and we were confused and asked each other, how did she catch the doll?

An illustration of a doll claw machine or UFO Catcher is below.

This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

In some countries, such games are prohibited because games can be equal to gambling, leading to addiction in children.

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

There's not much to think about it really, it's pretty much like every other arcade game and meant to keep you (or more likely children who pester their parents for money to play it) entertained for a short time. You hear the occasional story about one which is slightly misconfigured or someone has found a trick to master them, emptying out the machine and getting a little revenge. However in general they are very difficult to win and the prizes tend to be such cheap garbage you could probably buy one for less than the price of a single play. However it can be fun to try and beat the machine, but they are definitely geared towards kids who don't understand how they are setup to earn money - hence why they are often filled with toys.

[nakamura12]

Had no idea what a UFO Catcher was until you mentioned claw machine which is why the title needs to be modified op. Coming to the machine itself, I've played with them when I was small and had a ton of fun even though it's frustrating sometimes.

It's gambling alright, but you won't lose a ton of money gambling with these machines when compared to traditional casino games like slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat etc.

Another advantage of these machines is the fact that you need to use small denomination coins to play which many people don't have access to these days.

I also thought that it was a video of something until I read it and yes it was all about claw machine. For me, this looks like a clickbait title for those who are curious about UFOs. It is gambling aa you have said and most of the machines are rigged that means you won't be able to get the price easily plus the cost of the price is almost equivalent as the coin of the machine like 1-2 dollars for price and 45 cents for the coin of the machine. Casino games are more like Big time gambling game compared to claw machines.

[stomachgrowls]

Had no idea what a UFO Catcher was until you mentioned claw machine which is why the title needs to be modified op. Coming to the machine itself, I've played with them when I was small and had a ton of fun even though it's frustrating sometimes.

It's gambling alright, but you won't lose a ton of money gambling with these machines when compared to traditional casino games like slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat etc.

Another advantage of these machines is the fact that you need to use small denomination coins to play which many people don't have access to these days.

I also thought that it was a video of something until I read it and yes it was all about claw machine. For me, this looks like a clickbait title for those who are curious about UFOs. It is gambling aa you have said and most of the machines are rigged that means you won't be able to get the price easily plus the cost of the price is almost equivalent as the coin of the machine like 1-2 dollars for price and 45 cents for the coin of the machine. Casino games are more like Big time gambling game compared to claw machines.

Making up some comparison then it would really be just common sense that you would able to point out the differences and this is indeed just on smaller scale and its still business from into its owners.

They cant really just let people do able to pull those rewards easily and that wont really be worth on the capital that they had used from those rewards until on the machine and energy been used which
everything does have a cost.

Its true that the title is a something a click bait and why not rather make use of these claw machines instead?

[AmoreJaz]

Had no idea what a UFO Catcher was until you mentioned claw machine which is why the title needs to be modified op. Coming to the machine itself, I've played with them when I was small and had a ton of fun even though it's frustrating sometimes.

It's gambling alright, but you won't lose a ton of money gambling with these machines when compared to traditional casino games like slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat etc.

Another advantage of these machines is the fact that you need to use small denomination coins to play which many people don't have access to these days.

I also thought that it was a video of something until I read it and yes it was all about claw machine. For me, this looks like a clickbait title for those who are curious about UFOs. It is gambling aa you have said and most of the machines are rigged that means you won't be able to get the price easily plus the cost of the price is almost equivalent as the coin of the machine like 1-2 dollars for price and 45 cents for the coin of the machine. Casino games are more like Big time gambling game compared to claw machines.

this claw machine is everywhere, i guess, at one point in our childhood lives, we played this machine. i am not equating this to gambling or of that sort, just treat it as a mere childhood game, nothing more than that. most of the time, you will just waste money from this, but for kids, just one of the games they want to try with. i don't think we need to overthink about this game. just enjoy the ride.

[darkangel11]

There is no doubt that this type of machine is designed to maximize profit for the owner. They have variable PSI strength settings for the claws, and they only give out toys as often as state regulations require. Until recently, I had no idea that there were state regulations concerning this type of amusement.

Here's an article about it: https://kotaku.com/why-yes-those-claw-machines-are-rigged-says-arcade-op-5929888

Thus, we cannot talk about a skill-based game here if the game has settings that determine the frequency of winning prizes, as, for example, slot machines do.

 claw during 11/12 tries will apply 4-6 PSI, or just enough to shuffle it or barely pick it up," he said. "During the 1/12 tries the claw will apply 9-11 PSI, sometimes picking it up and dropping, some successful." He said that toys typically require 10 PSI to grasp.

I knew they were rigged back when I was a child and I could see the claw move and let the toy slip away. It looked like it had some amount of "play" in the claw and wouldn't hold anything tight but move every time the weight of the toy applied downward pressure to it. Damn cheaters!
OP thinks the machines teach children to gamble, but they are there just to drain their pockets and make them lose and that one out of 12 toy that comes out is there so they can see someone winning and try for themselves.

[nakamura12]

this claw machine is everywhere, i guess, at one point in our childhood lives, we played this machine. i am not equating this to gambling or of that sort, just treat it as a mere childhood game, nothing more than that. most of the time, you will just waste money from this, but for kids, just one of the games they want to try with. i don't think we need to overthink about this game. just enjoy the ride.

Well, children doesn't know that it is gambling but it is still a gambling no matter if you know it or not but it doesn't matter since claw machines are business and the owner need to earn profit that is why most of the claw machines are rigged. I also agree that thinking of it as a mere childhood game and it is much better not to overthink about it.

[harizen]

This kind of game can indirectly teach children about gambling because they buy coins with a certain amount of money to play in certain games. If they can't win, they lose the coins and have to use another coin if they want to play.

Nothing we can do about it. That is something out of our hands. It depends on the childer if they will find that game interesting. Not all children like to do gambling even if they are exposed to it in their everyday life. Regardless, they will just see that machine in malls or selected areas. I doubt they will be eager to look for it not unless they are just a few meters away from a place where that machine is installed.

And besides, even if they will not encounter that claw machine at some point, there are lots of things they will encounter every single day while growing up that might be related to gambling. They can't avoid it but fortunately, not all children are interested in gambling.

Just trust our kids and if there's a chance, try to give them a good chat.

[DoublerHunter]

this claw machine is everywhere, i guess, at one point in our childhood lives, we played this machine. i am not equating this to gambling or of that sort, just treat it as a mere childhood game, nothing more than that. most of the time, you will just waste money from this, but for kids, just one of the games they want to try with. i don't think we need to overthink about this game. just enjoy the ride.

Well, children doesn't know that it is gambling but it is still a gambling no matter if you know it or not but it doesn't matter since claw machines are business and the owner need to earn profit that is why most of the claw machines are rigged. I also agree that thinking of it as a mere childhood game and it is much better not to overthink about it.

^ I don't think it should be rigged, that game brings more fun to most children. That is why there is a parents who will guide their children.
Sometimes it makes a thrill when there is a game that has a high prize, it is also more fun to play with it and I think machine claws are not deserved to call it a gambling and be rigged. People just overthink it, just put a limit and everything will be fine.
My second thought is, that you are not wagering actual money which is money to money, so impossible it will become a gambling for me.

[Strongkored]

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

Actually there are also other types of games that are usually played by children which can also be called gambling because children need coins to be able to play and they will get coupons that can be exchanged for other prizes, and this is in the children's play area, but since the children are under parental control then it shouldn't be a problem, parents should be able to prevent children from getting addicted to games that are fun to play not only because they are tempted by the prizes but these games can really be tempting to always play

[Haunebu]

^ I don't think it should be rigged, that game brings more fun to most children. That is why there is a parents who will guide their children.

Looks like you haven't used a claw machine before. These machines are usually not rigged and provide fair chances to everyone who plays. I'm not really good at picking toys, but I know some people who are experts in comparison.

My second thought is, that you are not wagering actual money which is money to money, so impossible it will become a gambling for me.

You do wager real money which is why it's a form of gambling though it's small scale gambling since the denomination required is small.

Edit: Why the heck is this gambling related thread in off topic? Weird!

[Solosanz]

Actually there are also other types of games that are usually played by children which can also be called gambling because children need coins to be able to play and they will get coupons that can be exchanged for other prizes, and this is in the children's play area, but since the children are under parental control then it shouldn't be a problem, parents should be able to prevent children from getting addicted to games that are fun to play not only because they are tempted by the prizes but these games can really be tempting to always play

I think kids nowadays are more prefer to play online games than this claw machine game. I don't really think it's no problem at all, because their kids can using their parents credit card to buy anything. If the parents doesn't know the kids are using their credit cards, then it would be a problem and need more parental. So many games out there have been played by child and it's have a money related, while many countries doesn't allow gambling.

[D ltr]

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

when I was in college I often played this game with my friends, but always lost, I realized that I had just started gambling on a small scale,
after I searched for info from various articles and almost all said that the capitan was deliberately programmed so that the capitan gave maximum gripping strength only at certain times (articles in my language can't share links)
whether it's true or not I just think positive that I'm not lucky

[Shamm]

What's your thought? Have you ever played this kind of game?

when I was in college I often played this game with my friends, but always lost, I realized that I had just started gambling on a small scale,
after I searched for info from various articles and almost all said that the capitan was deliberately programmed so that the capitan gave maximum gripping strength only at certain times (articles in my language can't share links)
whether it's true or not I just think positive that I'm not lucky

Once you spend an amount for the prices it is consider a gambling, because when you play its a big chance of losing if you don't have your luck beside you. And in claw machines when you look at it then you can say that this game is so easy to win because all you need to do is your claw must point to the doll in order to catch it up but in reality if you try this game its seems that its hard to control or find the timing .

[inanilujimi]

Yes, I've played it before, but out of 10 tries, maybe there's only 1 that really squeezes it tightly, the rest seem like they don't have the energy to do it.
I think this machine is just for fun, if you want to get a prize it's very difficult, it's better to buy it directly from a doll shop that has a clear price.

[bitbollo]

they seem to be games based on the player's skill but in reality it is all a matter of "luck" to pay a certain prize.
I don't know, I don't find them interesting from a gambler's point of view but as games to waste time ...
on balance I prefer to buy a peluche for my son than stay behind spending for something like that.
much much worse... those that exhibit electronic products such as iPhones or watches ....

[naruto007]

sci fi fantasy