Claw Machines: a category of gambling?

[Hispo]

I have seen those machines before here in my city and I have only tried them once or twice when I was youger. My family in general has always assumed those machines to be some kind of soft scam or something like it. 
I don't think those crane games and machines are completely related to gambling, actually, because of the luring prizes somethimes are put puporsely in them I would dare to say it would be better to wager money on sport bets or in probably fair games. Crane games are purposely too attractive to ignore (cash, high tech video consoles, expensive games and watches, etc).
It would seem to me the mechanism behind the crane is conceived on purpose so it will open a bit right before lifting the prize most of the times, to it would become very unlikely for anyone to actually pick up something good.
It is about comon sense, I think. If the owners of those machines are willing to risk literal packs of cash, still they need to guarantee the machine to be profitable, so it is likely thay are rigged somehow for someone to have almost no chances to win.
Not even keeping in mind the owners of those machines could also shield themselves behind the fact the player is the onw who decides who to manouver the claw, so there is less likely for the tricky mechanism to be spotted.

I would rather to stick to dices and a bit of plinko, it sounds fairer. 

You would really be able to realize for yourself that those things are indeed that soft-scam. Never ever in my life and experience on getting a stuff toy or hitting up those gadgets or money
out of a claw machine and those shit claws are designed to be that too soft or having no force whenever it clips. You could try all you want but it would really be ending up on a none good result
but if course there would really be those people who do able to get some stuff if they were lucky, but in overall i dont see for it to be a gambling but rather to be an entertainment
of a certain user who would really be tending up to deal up with it. Staked money isnt really just that too big for you to consider that you are gambling out. You've been trying out your
shot on getting some prize out of that single coin you do put on but of course it would really be just that depending or basing up on someones approach and sentiments into their minds
if they would really be treating it up as some sort of gambling.

Though, if those claw mechanisms are truly something which we could consider to be some kind of soft scam, then I wonder who they are allowed to operate and get imported to countries of both the developed world and the developing world.
At least, when you play lottery or dices on an online casino, you have some disclaimer on the stadisitical approximate chances you have in order to win the prize. With these claw machines there is no disclaimer or easy way for one to be aware what they actual possibilities are. Perhaps, that is what the operators of those machines count on, on the ignorance of the people and the greed when they see those big prizes stockpilled at the bottom of the machine.
I am sure less people would feel appealed by those claws if there was a disclaimer by the machines saying the chances of winning are approximately 1 in a 100.000 or something like it.

Since gambling is a regulated business, they are in the obligation to be probably fair and inform their gamblers of the chances of winning and also about the values of gambling responsibly. Claws are not regulated, it seems, so I bet it is a very grey area for people to make money with them in fairs and events, when children are around.

[Slow death]

It's funny how gambling are defined, but in my opinion, the moment people pay for a chance to win something, then we're dealing with gambling. If people were paying and receiving something without having any chance of losing their money because they didn't get it right, then that is gambling. gambling is any game that involves money and bets on a specific event. If two people are playing cards without betting money, then it is not gambling, but when they bet money, then it is gambling. and I believe that these Claw Machines need a license to be operated

“Claw machines are a form of gambling as it involves the spending of money to get an item from the machine and if the person fails in the process, one will lose their money as well.

“It is also a form of scam that influences children into playing, only for the vendor’s profits,“ the department said via a Facebook posting.

source: https://thesun.my/style-life/going-viral/claw-machines-are-a-form-of-gambling-and-it-is-a-sin-to-play-them-LC9307409

I must agree with the words of this Malaysian government department, in a way this game can destroy children, because they will think that they need to play to win things and if parents take children to play frequently, then the consequences in the future will be serious. Children shouldn't play games to have some kind of compensation. they must play with toys that their parents buy. but our society is heading down an ungoverned path. Many parents don't have time for their children so to make it up to their children they will do things like this

[Agbamoni]

OP it is 100% gambling. One you can mostly find claw machines in the casinos, so you are charged a certain amount to play it. The risk in the game is extremely high since it is to successfully have a strong grab after several failed attempts.

By the way i still see claw machines as a rigged game. And i expect gamblers to take less risk playing claw games. There is wide spread of rumors that the owner of claw machines mostly customized it to win 1/50 attempts, some who have pity would make it 1/20. Such game is consider having lesser payouts to the gamblers. Although it is cheaper to lay that is why people try so many times to see if they can win by all means.

[boyptc]

Do you consider this a category of gambling game?

It is gambling because you have to insert coin which is like the deposit we do in casinos in return to have a chance to win a stuff toy or anything that's inside the claw machine.

What are the chances on long run?

I don't usually win there and it's like 1:100 to me.

Skills matter, or do you have to be lucky, nevertheless?

Both IMHO.

I am not sure with those tiktok videos that they're able to cheat out a claw machine and they were winning like it's a normal day to them for every token they insert.

[danherbias07]

No, I don't think that is gambling. I played that just recently with my kids and it's just a game. But, I don't really like playing those because the chances of losing are way higher than it is with winning, yeah that sounds like gambling.
Those claws are always slippery, they made it that way so that it's rare to win or else they keep on refilling those boxes with toys and plushies. I am not good at it, that's all I can say. One of my kids though was happy when he played it, he clawed a lot of ticket bracelets out so he got to buy some toys in exchange for those tickets. It can still bring happiness to kids but I don't it can with oldies who knows it's difficult to win those claw games. I mean I'd rather buy the damn plushies than waste way more money in trying to get them that way.

[CryptSafe]

I really do not think this is gambling. This is fun rather because of the nature of the game. This game can be played with the family in a kind of outing where you and your family can just try their luck one after the other in the open and it is always done in the open for all to see.
This type of game does not require skills or tactics to win them but rather being smart enough to play the game. I believe good gamers are likely to win this more because they always play game often and know how to play games of this nature without any much stress on their path.

[bakasabo]

Do you consider this a category of gambling game? What are the chances on long run? Skills matter, or do you have to be lucky, nevertheless?

I don't consider this to be gambling. It can't be. In gambling there is a stake for win. This is just some kind of game. It doesn't require any skill. You just need to be smart enough to gather as much money as you can.
There are no odds. And compared to real gambling, you are told to gamble responsibly. In this case everyone is just catching fun. I've seen kids play this game. Nothing but fun. And when you lose, you move one because other people are waiting in line.

I have heard rumors, that claw machines are programmed that claws will fully close only every 10th, for example, attempt. In all other 9 attempts, claw did not close full. Since people randomly choose toys and aim randomly, it is hard to tell which attempt will be «that one that is true». This might be fake, I am not an expert, did not test that strategy. But how else can we describe why toys squeeze out from claws most of the time, and there is one attempt when they close as strong as bear trap. If there were no skill needed, everyone would always win. For me gambling is combination of a bet, random/luck, prize. Claw machine has all of these, so it is gambling for me.

[lovesmayfamilis]

These stupid claw machines extract a decent amount from me whenever I go with my children to some entertainment place. It is useless for me to persuade children to give up such entertainment since I am sure that the machines are configured in such a way that, at the right moment, their desired toy will fall. In addition, in a simple store, these prizes are much cheaper than the number of coins that we spend on the next attempt. However, I don’t think that this is a game of chance; otherwise, one would suspect the children of gambling. It's just fun, and getting some laughter and joy is always good, especially when kids laugh.

[Betwrong]

~ Do you consider this a category of gambling game? What are the chances on long run? Skills matter, or do you have to be lucky, nevertheless?

Although the game makes it seem like it's a game of skill  and so the players are trying to use their skills to "properly" capture the prize, I think whether the prize will be in your hands in the end totally depends on luck, so, I consider it as gambling. Everyone who played on Claw Machines even just couple of times in their life knows that. It's almost like thinking that if you stop the rolling of the reels on a slot at the "right" moment you'll win a big prize.

[SeaCoinCollector.]

For me, I think it can be considered as gambling. Claw machines seem innocent fun and many people of different ages play the game, but, as you have mentioned, it involves risking money or a chance to win a prize. Like in gambling, it involves skills, odds, and luck. Skills on how you are going to maneuver the claw and position it correctly to get the price. Since the game is random, even skilled players struggle to win consistently. Then Odds, often stacked against players, making it difficult to win consistently. And Luck, whether the outcome of getting the prize is successful or not.

[piebeyb]

Do you consider this a category of gambling game? What are the chances on long run? Skills matter, or do you have to be lucky, nevertheless?

 

I've seen machines like this, even though gambling is illegal in my country, but if the machine looked like this it would definitely be banned because it involves money in it, usually I find machines like this in malls and in the machine there are lots of coins that have to be exchanged for cashiers. money or other prizes but I don't consider it completely gambling because if it was categorized as gambling it would definitely be prohibited, especially since the machine is available in the biggest mall in my country.

I just think that the machine is only a game in my opinion and is only for entertainment and is also played by children, even though it is true that there is a slight element of gambling in it where we have to bet with the coins we use to play the game, but it doesn't involve money. real, aka special coins from the shop, besides games like this, if I'm not mistaken, there are settings where it's not easy for people to win more than what is set, so I've never tried games like this even though I see them as interesting because I know I won't win them, lol Don't ever try games like this seriously, just use them as entertainment.

[slapper]

You're putting your hard-earned cash into a fancy box, hoping some mechanical arm grabs you a cheap plushie. That ain't skill, that's a gamble. It's the kid-friendly casino

Don't get me wrong, there's some hand-eye coordination involved, the best players do have an edge. But let's face it, these things are built to make you lose. That claw drops prizes almost as often as I drop truth bombs. Those odds? Worse than some of those deals the Democrats dream up

The truth is, they prey on that feeling of control. Makes you think you're about to win big, and that's the genius of it. But hey, claw machines, slots, same difference really; you're betting on luck, not on your talent. Just remember, the house always wins, even if the prizes are softer

[arwin100]

Nowadays you can find these claw machines in many stores, restaurants and malls. They are popular among young people, and are always shining captivating colours to the eyes. Most of them reward soft toy or cuddly toy and electronic gadgets, while there are also few versions where you can grab paper money available. You just have to be skilled enough to manage collecting the prize with the claw, dropping it into the collect box right after.

In order to play, you have to risk money from your pocket for a single or few attempts with the claw. In most attempts, however, it's like the prize will slip from the claw or you won't even achieve collecting anything with it, since it's made of a slippy metal.

Do you consider this a category of gambling game? What are the chances on long run? Skills matter, or do you have to be lucky, nevertheless?

For me no its just extracurricular activities which if you win you can get an item as rewards to the efforts you have done.

But you have the right to name it whatever you like since if you think its form as gambling since you need to spend some cash for low chance to get something in return then its fine as long as you have been satisfied with each participation you have been done, Also with the assessment of other people regarding on what is their view towards your questioned asked in this thread.

[criptoevangelista]

Here in my country these machines are a total success, I've tried playing a few times and the impression I have is that it is programmed to not be able to capture the prize because the claw to capture the prizes always seems to be weak.

The few times it appears to be programmed to make you win, you still need skill to capture the prize, it's a money machine (for its owner).

I don't like these machines, the impression is that there is no chance of winning.

[summonerrk]

Here in my country these machines are a total success, I've tried playing a few times and the impression I have is that it is programmed to not be able to capture the prize because the claw to capture the prizes always seems to be weak.

The few times it appears to be programmed to make you win, you still need skill to capture the prize, it's a money machine (for its owner).

I don't like these machines, the impression is that there is no chance of winning.

I agree with you and I had the same opinion up to a certain point. Yes, it is clear that when the claw rises, it does not immediately grab the prize, but slowly closes when lifted. It really gives the feeling that it is not possible to grab the prize, but I want to tell you that when I traveled, in one of the southern countries
I saw a gumball machine that literally emptied a similar machine. It was like a miracle. She stood there and pulled something out of the machine every time! I do not know where this can be learned, but after that I realized that some people know how to handle a claw like a pro.

[Lida93]

Do you consider this a category of gambling game? What are the chances on long run? Skills matter, or do you have to be lucky, nevertheless?

I don't consider this to be gambling. It can't be. In gambling there is a stake for win. This is just some kind of game. 

Hey man I disagree, this is gambling whether you call it stake or anything else it doesn't change the fact that you are gambling with your money to win or earn a reward on return. It may not meet your criteria of what gambling may mean to you but it's not just a game in as much as money has been risked in to play

It doesn't require any skill. You just need to be smart enough to gather as much money as you can.
There are no odds. And compared to real gambling, you are told to gamble responsibly. In this case everyone is just catching fun. I've seen kids play this game. Nothing but fun. And when you lose, you move one because other people are waiting in line.

For you to be skillful at any game you have  to be smart about it, inversely without being smart while on a game our skill will be under utilize limiting the chances of winning especially in gambling games that requires much part of the input of our skills to profit. There are types of gambling we partake in that doesn't require odds, in fact, odds isn't a yardstick to determine if an activity is gamble or not, it just doesn't count unlike when money is involved.

There are persons that can still get addicted to the game due to the fun it provides, perhaps this particular doesn't appeal to your kind of popular games that's why it doesn't narrow to your viewpoint as gambling in anyway.

[Davidvictorson]

Hey man I disagree, this is gambling whether you call it stake or anything else it doesn't change the fact that you are gambling with your money to win or earn a reward on return. It may not meet your criteria of what gambling may mean to you but it's not just a game in as much as money has been risked in to play.

It's good to have a differing opinion. It creates room to buttress our point.
In most claw machine you win a prize and not money. If you are winning prize you cannot call it gambling. In gambling you win cash.
You simply put in a coin and use the claw to grab or push the teddy into an opening. If you are successful. Your prize is the teddy and not cash. Would you call this gambling?

Before you bring up an counterargument, keep in mind this definition of gambling by McGill UniversityGambling is taking part in any game or activity in which you risk money or a valuable object in order to win money.

[nullama]

Nowadays you can find these claw machines in many stores, restaurants and malls. They are popular among young people, and are always shining captivating colours to the eyes. Most of them reward soft toy or cuddly toy and electronic gadgets, while there are also few versions where you can grab paper money available. You just have to be skilled enough to manage collecting the prize with the claw, dropping it into the collect box right after.

In order to play, you have to risk money from your pocket for a single or few attempts with the claw. In most attempts, however, it's like the prize will slip from the claw or you won't even achieve collecting anything with it, since it's made of a slippy metal.

Do you consider this a category of gambling game? What are the chances on long run? Skills matter, or do you have to be lucky, nevertheless?

 

I wouldn't personally consider this gambling, but a "game of skill". I think there is an actual legal difference between the two in some countries.

In this one, you are basically playing a game like in a fair. It's a skill game, that is usually hard to get the prize.

In a casino, the games are random. You basically throw a dice and get a result. This one is just skill.

Also, you get a prize, not money. And also you probably won't spend all your life savings there anyway.

[wiss19]

Well, they are games that may or may not be considered a sort of gambling depending on what you are trying to get after paying a couple of bucks or a dollar for every attempt. If you are playing the game to catch money inside the machine and you know that the funds inside the machine are higher than what you have to spend to play and you think of it as an opportunity to earn money, then it's gambling, for sure.

However, if you are playing the game to get a gadget or maybe a doll or something then it shouldn't be considered gambling. Besides, most of such machines are kept in places where people go with families so that kids see the dolls and stuff and make their elders play the game so the owners can earn some money from that.

[Lida93]

Hey man I disagree, this is gambling whether you call it stake or anything else it doesn't change the fact that you are gambling with your money to win or earn a reward on return. It may not meet your criteria of what gambling may mean to you but it's not just a game in as much as money has been risked in to play.

It's good to have a differing opinion. It creates room to buttress our point.
In most claw machine you win a prize and not money. If you are winning prize you cannot call it gambling. In gambling you win cash.
You simply put in a coin and use the claw to grab or push the teddy into an opening. If you are successful. Your prize is the teddy and not cash. Would you call this gambling?

Before you bring up an counterargument, keep in mind this definition of gambling by McGill UniversityGambling is taking part in any game or activity in which you risk money or a valuable object in order to win money.

I still maintain my stands on the premise that on account of you risking money into the game it automatically becomes a gambling activity be it the rewards is in cash or any prize item.  We have many definitions of gambling and there is none that is universally accepted which makes each definition subjective of the author's perspective towards what should be classified as gambling.

Here's another definition I dug out from my own end which the first supports yours while the second definition supports my view too: That's why I can say we are both not wrong in which ever way to view claw machine  in regards to gambling

Definitions
1. play games of chance for money;
2. take risky action in the hope of a desired result.