Claw Machines: a category of gambling?

[passwordnow]

Have you ever noticed how rare it is to see someone actually win in a claw machine?
It seems that these toys are always out of reach. I wonder if there is a way to check the winning percentage in any claw machine. It would be interesting to know if these are really fair games or if they are designed to make winning almost impossible.

I am not sure if these arcades have been setting up and making it easy to believe that each of us can win those toys that can easily be reached. It seems to me that they hire someone or one of their staff pretends to be a goer and just plays there casually with a lot of tokens and trying to get those toys that even if they're far from reach, they're attracting us as if they're easy to make. I am not sure if those tiktok videos that I have watched showing some tricks on how to easily take those toys are for real. It's a setup I believe and there's no hack in it and they are more of a promotional video that they're doing to attract goers go to them and buy tons of tokens or avail their discounted prices and promos.

I don't think that they're a fair game and none of them really is fair because it's a business. Expect that these games that can be found in amusement parks and arcades are there to play fair only for the establishment itself while giving small percentage of winners win. You see that these claw machines won't really have a strong grip unless you go in Japan and I think that games there are fairer and they're honest people. So, in the conclusion if these are gambling, I'd say yes. The same goes for the casinos that has their own tokens, we exchange real fiat money in exchange for their native tokens to be admitted and allowed to play inside.

I think that promoters know perfectly well how to advertise a claw machine, and that's why there are so many videos with "secrets of success" in TikTok and similar video services where pretty girls easily pull out toys. I don't believe any of these videos and consider them promotional.

I am a fool to be honest and tried those tricks as if I am going to win all of those stuff toys that are inside the claw machine. Don't laugh at me as I did really tried it but nothing happened and I have wasted some money on it. So, that's actually a gamble that like someone gives a prediction or signal that everyone must follow but in the end of it, you get nothing and you'll just hear a "nice try" from those folks that have advertised it as is.

Judge for yourself: if you were the owner of a many o claw machines, would you not have made such promotional videos? after all, their cost is scanty: a hired girl and a tik tok.

Yeah, hire a sexy tiktoker and you'll give her the incentive with some talent fee and also gifts from those claw machine. You only have to show the name of the arcade or establishment and you're good to go. This is very normal as many people are gullible in the internet and that includes me if it's with the matters of these toys since I want to have as much as I can and wanting to give my kid with those toys and also my kid relatives. Anyway, it's sure a lucrative business and that's why just as gambling, there are many people that goes there everyday trying their luck which is significant to gambling.

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[South Park]

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?

Without a doubt this is a form of gambling, it is just that it has become so common place that people no longer think about those machines on that way, however those machines fulfill all the conditions you may expect out of a slot machine, so it is important that parents keep a close attention to their kids and make sure they do not spend too much time on those machines, otherwise they may find themselves facing the terrible problem of having their child developing some gambling issues at a very early age.

[nullama]

~snip~
Without a doubt this is a form of gambling, it is just that it has become so common place that people no longer think about those machines on that way, however those machines fulfill all the conditions you may expect out of a slot machine, so it is important that parents keep a close attention to their kids and make sure they do not spend too much time on those machines, otherwise they may find themselves facing the terrible problem of having their child developing some gambling issues at a very early age.

These machines are not random. That's a crucial difference to a slot machine.

On a slot machine you simply press a button and the outcome is defined by chance.

In these machines you have way more control over the outcome. You can maneuver the grip in both directions, and choose when to send it to grab stuff. There's a lot of skill to this. Of course it's difficult to win, but the outcome is not random.

Huge difference, even legal in some places as in, anyone can put these machines but you would need a license for the slot machines.

[bakasabo]

For me claw machines require little skill to play, as everything depends from how owner set claw strength. User can simply randomly move controller and randomly choose item. If claw closing strength is enough, it will hold the prize like close grip. But in most cases we see how claw shakes and drops the prize the next second claw was closed. However that is ok. Low skill requirement is perfect for everyone to try to win the prize.

[angrybirdy]

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?

Without a doubt this is a form of gambling, it is just that it has become so common place that people no longer think about those machines on that way, however those machines fulfill all the conditions you may expect out of a slot machine, so it is important that parents keep a close attention to their kids and make sure they do not spend too much time on those machines, otherwise they may find themselves facing the terrible problem of having their child developing some gambling issues at a very early age.

Well, you have a point, since there is a money involve by doing this, It is advisable to all parents out there to watch their children playing this, maybe for other people they will not consider it as a gambling because it is placed in public arcade places where the first thing people will think is that it is just a normal game.Maybe it depends on us how we will think about the claw machine, whether it is a type of gambing or is it just a normal game? no matter what it is, there's only one thing that's important here, let's be a responsible players. If we feel that the machine is cheating us because it's rare to get stuff in it, we should think about whether the time and money we spent for the prize we can get is worth it? others don't look at what they can get because they are focused on the thought that they got a prize using the claw machine, they are challenged because many people try to play it but they don't get anything until they run out of tokens.

[nullama]

For me claw machines require little skill to play, as everything depends from how owner set claw strength. User can simply randomly move controller and randomly choose item. If claw closing strength is enough, it will hold the prize like close grip. But in most cases we see how claw shakes and drops the prize the next second claw was closed. However that is ok. Low skill requirement is perfect for everyone to try to win the prize.

I think of it a bit as of fair games. Everything is kinda set up for the player to lose but still being a bit close to winning.

Very similar to gambling. But in my mind there is the difference that the outcome is not generated at random. There is some level of skill involved.

[swogerino]

This is mostly a skill game rather than gambling.You know everything you need to know here and there are no hidden surprises like a changed RTP so much common nowadays in absolutely every reputable casino and new ones.In here if you are skillful enough or better smart enough to learn the patterns of how those prizes move by trying a few times it can make you skillful enough to get the paper money or the best electronic gadget these machines offer.

[bakasabo]

For me claw machines require little skill to play, as everything depends from how owner set claw strength. User can simply randomly move controller and randomly choose item. If claw closing strength is enough, it will hold the prize like close grip. But in most cases we see how claw shakes and drops the prize the next second claw was closed. However that is ok. Low skill requirement is perfect for everyone to try to win the prize.

I think of it a bit as of fair games. Everything is kinda set up for the player to lose but still being a bit close to winning.

Very similar to gambling. But in my mind there is the difference that the outcome is not generated at random. There is some level of skill involved.

I would call claw machine a very light version of gambling. Because it might cause interest, but not addiction. Never heard that someone is addicted to claw machines. It is easy to stop. And when you get that prize, you stop gambling and it does not motivate you to continue. Greed factor is very little in this case.

I see that South Park has mentioned it can develop addiction among kids, but from what I saw, kids stop when they get a plushie prize. After getting a toy, I have never seen them asking for more or other. They focus on one specific, you get it for them and you are a hero for the rest of the day.

[Betwrong]

~
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

Yes, they make you think that whether you win or no depends on your actions, while you can perfectly catch the prize with the claws and then it drops off for no reason. You have the same feeling with slots when you four scatters to get the bonus round and you already have three and there are a lot of rolling reels and you expect to see another scatter on one of them but end up empty handed. It's a typical gambling thing those Claw Machines are.

[GideonGono]

For me I consider it as a gambling because you risk your money in order to get the prize that you want.
For me everything that have a risk is gambling, I mean those that depend much more on luck without much skills needed.
Any games or form of entertainment with money or risk involve I consider those as gambling.

[len01]

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?

yep, of course it's one of the skill based gambling game categories.
the main reason why I say this is because something is at stake and to produce something certain, it can be said to be gambling and the claw machine is one of them.
it is impossible to pick up money using the claw even though the claw has been designed in such a way as to make it difficult for customers to get the money.
it's the same as lifting a large stone using only 3 fingers.
sometimes this type of game really attracts beginner gamblers who think it is very easy to get money but when you spend money trying it it will still be difficult and for me in the long run it won't work unless you have the right tricks to be able to take the money.

but if there is one person who is successful in getting money using the claw, the staff or owner of the claw machine will definitely rearrange the claw to provide new difficulties.
so that when people who have previously succeeded in getting money from the machine use tricks or skills that were previously used, they will definitely not succeed.

[EluguHcman]

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?

Oh yes I would consider such gambling game specifically a game of fun challenging and daring to make sure you pick up something and with some technical factors demanded so that what you picks does not fall off due to the slippery key stick, I  would consider it a skillful game but alongside luck is still involved because your skills can not do it all.

It would actually be much game of funs because I Will always come with friends to play in challenging each other on who would be successful on the picks. There also we can have a P2P bets amongst us.

[tottong]

Oh yes I would consider such gambling game specifically a game of fun challenging and daring to make sure you pick up something and with some technical factors demanded so that what you picks does not fall off due to the slippery key stick, I  would consider it a skillful game but alongside luck is still involved because your skills can not do it all.

It would actually be much game of funs because I Will always come with friends to play in challenging each other on who would be successful on the picks. There also we can have a P2P bets amongst us.

At this level of game people will look at the ability to play even though it cannot be separated from luck, games like this are considered not to have the same vision as gambling, even though in plain terms they may be a little more similar.
I usually take my loved ones to a place like that to play one or two times, but the prizes are dolls and other toys, to play the game like that we have to put in a few coins.

I think the opportunity in the long term will be an alternative for people who are addicted to gambling. Although I don't know whether that will be the solution because this game can be played casually when we visit during work holidays with the family.

[Muchiratsky]

For me claw machines require little skill to play, as everything depends from how owner set claw strength. User can simply randomly move controller and randomly choose item. If claw closing strength is enough, it will hold the prize like close grip. But in most cases we see how claw shakes and drops the prize the next second claw was closed. However that is ok. Low skill requirement is perfect for everyone to try to win the prize.

How does one determine though if the claw strength can be adjusted or controlled? I've tried all those YouTube hacks in claw machines including the ones you've mentioned but I just end up being frustrated with my tokens gone. I do see some people being able to get small prices but the ones that are a bit pricey? Haven't seen any take home a price. I look at it as a scam because I haven't won anything from the time I started playing, lol.

[mu_enrico]

I don't recommend playing this machine since there's no fairness certification, unlike slot machines with certification or a license. If the prize is just a toy, then it's not gambling by definition, but if the prize is money, then it's gambling. This machine is easy to tweak or compromise, so even if you're a skilled "crawler," you still can get bad results. There are many YouTube videos testing and explaining this machine.

[nullama]

I don't recommend playing this machine since there's no fairness certification, unlike slot machines with certification or a license. If the prize is just a toy, then it's not gambling by definition, but if the prize is money, then it's gambling. This machine is easy to tweak or compromise, so even if you're a skilled "crawler," you still can get bad results. There are many YouTube videos testing and explaining this machine.

In a casino the prizes are tokens, redeemable to money.

Not sure if that is the main difference as you can also exchange the toy for money.

I think the main difference, legally speaking, is that one is a game of chance (gambling) and the other is a game of skill (crawl machine)

[bakasabo]

For me claw machines require little skill to play, as everything depends from how owner set claw strength. User can simply randomly move controller and randomly choose item. If claw closing strength is enough, it will hold the prize like close grip. But in most cases we see how claw shakes and drops the prize the next second claw was closed. However that is ok. Low skill requirement is perfect for everyone to try to win the prize.

How does one determine though if the claw strength can be adjusted or controlled? I've tried all those YouTube hacks in claw machines including the ones you've mentioned but I just end up being frustrated with my tokens gone. I do see some people being able to get small prices but the ones that are a bit pricey? Haven't seen any take home a price. I look at it as a scam because I haven't won anything from the time I started playing, lol.

If you havent wont anything that does not mean this is a scam. You have said it yourself - you saw people winning small prizes. Claw machines are sort of gambling, when you know the machine is rigged, you know that owner is going to cheat you, but you still try your luck and try to get the prize with minimum attempts. It is possible to get any prize from that machine, gamblers just need to be more persistent. A lot of people try to get prize with first attempts, with spare change they have, as well as they dont this game serious. That is why they lose and call it scam. I dont use this machines frequent, as I rarely have coins and they dont accept cards. But in a tourist places abroad, I have managed to get plush toys several times.

[dezoel]

I actually think that these types of machines are now getting extinct, the same goes with the arcade games and rides because kids or people now are more hooked or their eyes are rather glued on the screens of their gadgets but they are a hella fun thing to do.

I want them now more than before because I can now afford to spend more money and play time with them as I already have a job. I think it only involves a small level of skill but most thing that matters here is luck, just like any other gambling games, as that is the only way for them to stay longer in this business even though there is another thing that has taken them down. I already said the reason earlier.

[KTChampions]

This is mostly a skill game rather than gambling.You know everything you need to know here and there are no hidden surprises like a changed RTP so much common nowadays in absolutely every reputable casino and new ones.In here if you are skillful enough or better smart enough to learn the patterns of how those prizes move by trying a few times it can make you skillful enough to get the paper money or the best electronic gadget these machines offer.

All of these machines have customization options and its owner can customize it in such a way that you will never win a prize. Therefore, I would say that these are not games where skill matters, but gambling, since essentially the owner controls the odds and naturally he sets them so that he always wins on average.
Other types of such machines (for example, where you have to push out a prize through holes of different diameters) are 100% gambling, since in them, despite the fact that you control the joystick, this does not in any way affect getting into the desired holes. The frequency of hits is adjusted in the device itself and the player’s efforts mean nothing.

[ChiBitCTy]

I love claw machines, and I love those machines where you put in quarters that roll down in to the main machine that has some sort of pushing mechanism where you can eventually/potentially win a bunch of other quarters as well as they typically add in stuff like jewelry, stuffed animals and things of that nature.  I definity view it as a form of gambling, personally.  I think there are better ways to gamble, but it's just for fun.