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Claw machine arcades under scrutiny as gov’t targets gambling concerns

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By Park Ung
  • Published KST
  • Updated KST
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As claw machine arcades spread rapidly across the country, mounting complaints of rigged machines and gambling-like practices have prompted the government to tighten oversight in the name of fairness.

The Game Rating and Administration Committee recently told the office of Rep. Jin Jong-oh of the main opposition People Power Party that it would step up inspections of claw machine prizes, covering the types of items offered, payout standards and distribution methods.

The committee also pledged to work more closely with local governments and police, promising active support for crackdowns and inspections when requested.

Compared to traditional arcades, which have struggled to recover since the COVID-19 pandemic, most new establishments are claw machine rooms.

According to data obtained by Rep. Jin’s office, the number of game arcades with claw machines reached 5,957 as of last month, up nearly 20 percent over the past two years.

Under current laws, claw machines are classified as arcade games. To be legally distributed in Korea, operators must submit manuals with machine specifications and game methods and undergo a rating review by the committee.

Most claw machines approved for distribution passed the committee’s review based on operators’ assurances that they provide equal opportunities and contain no element of chance.

In practice, however, suspicions persist that claw strength is deliberately weakened and only tightens after a set number of attempts, effectively manipulating the odds.

Complaints about claw machines filed through e-People, Korea’s national petition system, peaked at 42 in 2022, dropped to 12 in 2023, then rose to 21 in 2024 and 24 as of August 2025, showing an upward trend.

“Claw machines may look like harmless fun, but gambling-like elements such as randomness and rigged odds leave young people vulnerable,” Rep. Jin said. “Yet the committee has not assessed gambling risks, investigated manipulation practices or reviewed overseas regulations, leaving the sector largely unregulated.”

“To better protect minors, authorities should regularly check whether claw machines are being tampered with and how their odds are managed, and introduce reforms if necessary,” Jin added.