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.