Are Arcade Games and Claw Machines Grooming Kids for Gambling?

The Line Between Entertainment and Gambling in Arcades

Generations of parents have handed their children quarters to enjoy an afternoon in the local arcade, where flashing lights and exciting sounds promise hours of entertainment. Yet, when children put coins into machines that dispense tokens or prizes—like claw machines or coin pushers—are they simply playing, or is there a stronger connection to gambling than we realize?

With strict gambling age restrictions and regulations, it’s surprising that children are free to play arcade and claw games with striking similarities to casino machines. This raises a critical question: Should these seemingly harmless amusements be viewed as early exposure to gambling?

How Are Arcade Games Defined Legally?

The classification of arcade games varies across jurisdictions, but, in most parts of the United States, these amusements are not regarded as gambling for two main reasons:
– Arcade games are generally considered games of skill, with players exercising a degree of control over the result.
– These machines typically do not pay out cash, only tokens or non-cash prizes.

In the United Kingdom, the legal landscape is more nuanced. The UK Gambling Commission regulates three categories of amusement arcades, categorizing the games by stake limits, prize value, and licensing. Machines most accessible to children—such as coin pushers and claw cranes—fall under “category D” and often have minimal cash stakes (from 10p up to £1) and a maximum cash prize of £10, although non-monetary prizes may exceed that value.

Interestingly, even while categorized as low-level gambling machines, UK law still permits children of all ages to play them. “Skill with prizes” (SWPs)—machines that purport to test a player’s skill for a prize—are also commonly available to minors, especially in malls and cinemas.

What Makes These Games So Addictive?

A major reason for concern is that many arcade machines, while offering low-value rewards, share addictive mechanics with casino slot games. The electrifying anticipation of winning, the bright lights and engaging sounds, and inconsistent, unpredictable rewards all serve to capture players’ attention.

Coin pushers and claw games, in particular, are designed to mimic skill-based amusements. Players are led to believe their timing or dexterity will influence success. However, the reality is quite different. For example, as revealed by Vox, many claw machines are programmed with a predetermined “return-to-player” (RTP) rate—meaning the odds of winning are controlled by the machine, not by a player’s skill.

Even if a child seemingly masters the game, the machine may simply not be set to allow a win. This unpredictability—the very essence of gambling—contributes to the addictive lure of these games.

Research: Early Arcade Play and Future Gambling Risks

Scientific studies suggest a noteworthy link between childhood exposure to arcade games featuring gambling mechanics and the likelihood of developing gambling issues later in life.

A 2022 UK Gambling Commission survey highlighted that 31% of children aged 11 to 16 admitted to spending their own money on gambling in the previous year, with 22% doing so in arcades. The most commonly played machines among these kids were coin pushers (73%) and claw grabs (72%).

Further evidence from research in the UK and Australia found that 60.8% of adult Australian gamblers reported playing coin push machines as kids, compared to just 48.6% of non-gamblers—suggesting a correlation between early exposure and problem gambling in adulthood.

In the US, coin pushers are banned in some states but remain legal federally. Claw machines, on the other hand, are practically ubiquitous. Despite the low stakes and seemingly small prizes, it’s the compulsive gameplay—not the reward value—that contributes most to addiction risk, as shown in addiction studies. Over time, children may require higher stakes for the same thrill, echoing patterns seen with substance dependence.

Casino Arcades: Blurring the Boundaries Further

The growing trend of family-friendly tourism has prompted casinos, particularly in Las Vegas, to install arcades for children. Recent statistics show that 21% of Las Vegas tourists now bring kids, leading venues like Bally’s (now Horseshoe) to repurpose spaces for child-focused arcades.

Strikingly, the games found in these arcades often mimic those in the main gaming floor. For casinos, these amusements are not only lucrative—earning as much per day as some slot machines—but also controversial. Critics argue that such environments may normalize gambling behavior for minors and potentially set the stage for future addiction, much in the way branded candy cigarettes once did for smoking habits.

Should There Be Stricter Controls on Arcade Machines?

Given the growing body of evidence linking arcade games to future gambling problems, it’s logical to consider tighter regulation.

Some countries have acted. In 2019, the UK prohibited those under 16 from playing category D slot machines, though other games like coin pushers remain accessible to all ages. The European Lotto Betting Association has called for children to be kept away from all gambling products, especially entry-level games like coin pushers and claw cranes. In response, the British Amusement Catering Trade Association has made changes to its voluntary code, lifting the age on some machines to 18—but many operators ignore these guidelines, citing financial pressures.

There are real economic stakes involved: Heavily regulating or closing arcades could lead to nearly 20,000 lost jobs in the UK and the loss of about $1 billion, disproportionately affecting the country’s poorest areas. Some have proposed a levy on arcades to support research and addiction treatment, but this too faces resistance from owners.

Meanwhile, gambling addiction clinics for minors—such as those introduced by NHS England in 2019—are expanding in response to rising need. In the US, increased access to sports betting has resulted in higher rates of problem gambling among teens, with 6% reportedly addicted.

Addressing the Risks: Who Is Responsible?

Responsibility does not fall on a single group. Parents, arcade owners, casinos, schools, and policymakers all have a vital role in safeguarding children from developing unhealthy relationships with gambling. While arcades offer fun and memories, the blurred line between entertainment and gambling means these experiences should be approached with caution and informed oversight.

In summary, while arcades and claw machines may seem innocent, their similarities to adult gambling and mounting evidence of associated risks suggest a need for increased awareness, regulation, and collective responsibility to keep children safe.