Claw machine operators told to get a grip on player complaints after 760% jump
Consumer Council data shows number of grievances involving claw machines has risen from 16 to 138 over three years
Complaints about Hong Kong claw machine operators have skyrocketed by more than 760 per cent over the past three years, driven by anger over reportedly misleading displays, rigged settings and poor-quality prizes, the city’s consumer watchdog has said.
Council chief executive Alaina Shum Jiu-fai said the sharp increase in complaints within a relatively short period could be mainly due to the rapid expansion of these arcades in shopping centres and retail outlets.
“While the industry grows, its mechanism design, information disclosure, and customer support are falling short,” Shum said, noting that disputes were becoming more frequent and complex.
She added that the government would launch a public consultation to tighten claw machine regulations, focusing on machine design and information transparency to safeguard consumer interests.
The watchdog also highlighted a case involving a woman who spent HK$200 (US$25.50) on a claw machine stocked with both miniature toy suitcases and boxes that appeared to contain the same items.