Topic: Claw Machines: a category of gambling? - page 4. (Read 1375 times)
Claw machine are similar, but not as addictive as in-game purchases. In-game purchases, now that is a real gambling addiction, not slots or table games. In regular gambling, you at least might get something (money) in exchange for spend money. Claw machines gives you toys. In-game purchases gives you... extra lives, skins, higher jumps or something random. They are more evil than regular gambling. As it is a form of a legal cheating or useless crap in exchange for money.
Btw, all that video gaming stuff (skins, loot boxes, purchases to get extra strength over regular players) does not defined as gambling (at least from what Ive heard). Its in-game purchases. Even though players pay real money to test their luck.
I think it depends on where you live too no? Some countries are strict with rules related to microtransactions and as far as I can tell most gamers seem to agree that gacha or loot boxes in general are a form of gambling. Skins or in-game cosmetics should be different though, since there's no randomness over there. I believe claw machines are quite similar to skins in the sense that the randomness is not as big as others, or exists at all. I do agree that it still has gambling elements regardless of how people justify its existence and placement in public places. 
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?
Kind of, I mean you are staking "money" to play it. while majority of claw machines I see gives out stuff toys or candies there are some that gives out money or other valuable or expensive prizes. anyway, claw machines are notoriously rigged, I've read articles talking about how the claw on claw machines are programed to grab tight only after certain amount of plays.
I personally consider claw machines a category of gambling because it's very similar to slots machine, you put the coin and then you depend on your luck, you might win something or not, just like in slots.
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)
It's not a game of skill, many people in this thread said it, and I agree with them. It's an illusion that the creators of this game bore in mind when they were making it. It would be a game of skill, more or less, if after you captured the prize it were guaranteed that you'll get it. Unfortunately, we all know that more often than not it's not the case.
Well, technically they are, as they have designed to be work around for gambling regulations. Regulations on those can vary a lot, and so do the prices. I would assume that even owners of claw machines can't keep up with rapidly developed laws around them, as it's not too long ago as i saw i phones as price as a part of a carnival, that was passing by. And obviously drunk poor people saw that as an opportunity to show of their skills. These days that would get them charges on fraud because i am certain there are price limits for prizes on them.
Personally i don't see them as gambling because they are proven to be rigged many times, so i would classify them as scams.
Personally i don't see them as gambling because they are proven to be rigged many times, so i would classify them as scams.
But you have heard stories that casinos scam their customers. With surprised KYC before withdrawal for example. Yet I believe you do gamble anyway. Even if claw machines are scam, they are kind of a soft scam
They wont scam you for thousands or millions. And you will get a prize in the end with some persistence, while it will take hell of a time and luck to win jackpot even if you are super persistent. As a light form of gambling, claw machines does not require special licenses to operate. What I say, that even if they are scam, nobody cares as long as they get their plushie 
Well, technically they are, as they have designed to be work around for gambling regulations. Regulations on those can vary a lot, and so do the prices. I would assume that even owners of claw machines can't keep up with rapidly developed laws around them, as it's not too long ago as i saw i phones as price as a part of a carnival, that was passing by. And obviously drunk poor people saw that as an opportunity to show of their skills. These days that would get them charges on fraud because i am certain there are price limits for prizes on them.
Personally i don't see them as gambling because they are proven to be rigged many times, so i would classify them as scams.
Personally i don't see them as gambling because they are proven to be rigged many times, so i would classify them as scams.
Yeah, maybe. I actually see them more closely related to scams than gambling like you said...
But I wouldn't say they are a scam, because you can in theory win the prize. It's just very unlikely.
But it's also not gambling because even though it is unlikely, it is not random. It's just a very difficult thing to do.
Well, technically they are, as they have designed to be work around for gambling regulations. Regulations on those can vary a lot, and so do the prices. I would assume that even owners of claw machines can't keep up with rapidly developed laws around them, as it's not too long ago as i saw i phones as price as a part of a carnival, that was passing by. And obviously drunk poor people saw that as an opportunity to show of their skills. These days that would get them charges on fraud because i am certain there are price limits for prizes on them.
Personally i don't see them as gambling because they are proven to be rigged many times, so i would classify them as scams.
That seems like a fair assessment, I mean those claw machines give the impression you can win with some regularity as the machine is not completely random and your input supposedly can determine the outcome, however if this was true then a few persons should be able to get all the prizes out of those machines, but since this is not the case, it is clear the claw machine must have been manipulated in some way for this to not happen, so in a way they are a form of scam. Personally i don't see them as gambling because they are proven to be rigged many times, so i would classify them as scams.
Well, technically they are, as they have designed to be work around for gambling regulations. Regulations on those can vary a lot, and so do the prices. I would assume that even owners of claw machines can't keep up with rapidly developed laws around them, as it's not too long ago as i saw i phones as price as a part of a carnival, that was passing by. And obviously drunk poor people saw that as an opportunity to show of their skills. These days that would get them charges on fraud because i am certain there are price limits for prizes on them.
Personally i don't see them as gambling because they are proven to be rigged many times, so i would classify them as scams.
Personally i don't see them as gambling because they are proven to be rigged many times, so i would classify them as scams.
The only way to say claw machines isn't gambling if we can play for free, as long as you need to stake something valuable or money, it's fall to gambling, no matter what the prize or reward is.
Anyway, claw machines are just like normal slots, but you get less for the money and they are often rigged.
It's bold to say slots are rigged games, it's luck based games. Perhaps you didn't trust the gambling providers, that's why you say it's rigged. Claw machines is different, we can see how the claws is really weak and can't even grab the stuffs. -snip-
But if the claw machine is like in the last screenshot (real money?), it can be categorized as gambling because there is cash involved there.
Im still not sure whether its real money or play money that can be exchanged for gifts? If its play money, I dont think it can be categorized as gambling.
-snip-
But if the claw machine is like in the last screenshot (real money?), it can be categorized as gambling because there is cash involved there.
Im still not sure whether its real money or play money that can be exchanged for gifts? If its play money, I dont think it can be categorized as gambling.
-snip-
There is a commonly shared definition of gambling, but even more important than that definition is the semantic field you personally link to that word.
To me, everything that has to do with chance and money is a way of gambling. Trading is a way of gambling (unpopular opinion), hodling is a way of (long term) gambling, loots in video games that can be sold for real money are a way of gambling and, therefore, the machine in the last screenshot, as long as it is real money, is a clear way of gambling.
And what about legacy claw machines? as long as the prize has nothing to do with money, it doesn't fully fall under my definition of gambling. But it is a game based on chance where you look for something you want... so, to me, we could say that it is some kind of semi-gambling, although not in the tradicional sense of the term.
Working is also a way of gambling, because money are involved and there are chances not to get paid
Think about that all of you who say gambling is bad because it raises addiction All of you are already addicted gamblers ha-ha. Btw, all that video gaming stuff (skins, loot boxes, purchases to get extra strength over regular players) does not defined as gambling (at least from what Ive heard). Its in-game purchases. Even though players pay real money to test their luck.
For me, claw machines are a light version of gambling. Kids oriented gambling. Because they often are located at arcade game areas. But, since its idea is exchange of money for a chance, that is gambling for me.
-snip-
But if the claw machine is like in the last screenshot (real money?), it can be categorized as gambling because there is cash involved there.
Im still not sure whether its real money or play money that can be exchanged for gifts? If its play money, I dont think it can be categorized as gambling.
-snip-
But if the claw machine is like in the last screenshot (real money?), it can be categorized as gambling because there is cash involved there.
Im still not sure whether its real money or play money that can be exchanged for gifts? If its play money, I dont think it can be categorized as gambling.
-snip-
There is a commonly shared definition of gambling, but even more important than that definition is the semantic field you personally link to that word.
To me, everything that has to do with chance and money is a way of gambling. Trading is a way of gambling (unpopular opinion), hodling is a way of (long term) gambling, loots in video games that can be sold for real money are a way of gambling and, therefore, the machine in the last screenshot, as long as it is real money, is a clear way of gambling.
And what about legacy claw machines? as long as the prize has nothing to do with money, it doesn't fully fall under my definition of gambling. But it is a game based on chance where you look for something you want... so, to me, we could say that it is some kind of semi-gambling, although not in the tradicional sense of the term.
i think that the claw machine is a type of gambling, because you bet a certain amount of money to be able to move the machine to get various prizes in it. but some people say it is a game based on skill, others say it is luck. personally, i would say it is both, because each machine can be different depending on the developer. there are machines that can be easily moved and get prizes if we understand the tricks, but there are also machines that are quite difficult to get prizes in. so it can vary depending on the machine.
I see a claw machine as some kind of entertainment, as in playing in those games at carnivals.
Having a look at wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_game) it shows that there are actually two types of these games, one that is skilled based, and one that is chance based. In the latter case then it would be similar to gambling.
Interesting.
i think that the claw machine is a type of gambling, because you bet a certain amount of money to be able to move the machine to get various prizes in it. but some people say it is a game based on skill, others say it is luck. personally, i would say it is both, because each machine can be different depending on the developer. there are machines that can be easily moved and get prizes if we understand the tricks, but there are also machines that are quite difficult to get prizes in. so it can vary depending on the machine.
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.
I didn't say it's an actual scam, though. It's a personal point of view, and I'm sure I'm not the only one seeing it that way. Also, being persistent means spending more time and money on something that would probably be cheaper if you buy directly. You'll be spending a lot more trying to get plush toys from claw machines than buying these toys from actual toy stores. There are people who are good in playing claw machines but I'll bet there are a whole lot more who just end up spending on tokens and getting nothing. It's generally a good place to waste time and money. Note the term "waste"
Although you have seen someone who do able to pull one on which you would really be making yourself having that kind of persevering on getting one too.
Can it be considered gambling? Well it would really be just that depending into your approach because if you are making up some paying up for the sake of fun and there
are ones who do make out some bets on getting something. It would really be just that depending on how someone will really be treating up this one.
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.
I didn't say it's an actual scam, though. It's a personal point of view, and I'm sure I'm not the only one seeing it that way. Also, being persistent means spending more time and money on something that would probably be cheaper if you buy directly. You'll be spending a lot more trying to get plush toys from claw machines than buying these toys from actual toy stores. There are people who are good in playing claw machines but I'll bet there are a whole lot more who just end up spending on tokens and getting nothing. It's generally a good place to waste time and money. Note the term "waste"
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.
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.
I feel like that's what they are. Just a way for the owners to make some money because the machines usually have cheap stuff in them. You see a wrist watch that looks good but it's going to be a cheap knockoff most of the time. Sure it's worth more than you pay for the game but it's still not going to be a big win if you get it.
There are claw machines where you try to get real money, like dollar bills inside containers, but that's a rarity.
Anyway, claw machines are just like normal slots, but you get less for the money and they are often rigged.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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