Lynnae is a journalist covering the intersection of technology, culture, and gambling. She has more than five years of experience as a writer and editor, with bylines at SlashGear and MakeUseOf. On the iGaming side,...
Read Full BioA new survey conducted by the New Generation Network Against Gambling (NGNAG) has found that claw machines, commonly referred to as crane grabbers, are extremely popular among Thai youth, even though the government has classified them as gambling equipment.
A total of 700 children and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25, along with their parents, participated in the survey.
According to Thai PBS, the country’s national public broadcaster, the results showed that 94% of children had spent money on game machines, with claw machines making up 61% of the total.
NGNAG coordinator Ms. Wasinee Sonsab explained why these games are so popular: “The cuteness of the dolls and the high-value prizes, compared to the cost of playing them at around 10 baht per time, are an incentive for children and young people to try them.”
Youth Report Frequent Play & Rising Costs
The survey highlights just how big a part of daily life claw machines have become for Thai youth, with 23% of those surveyed saying they played the games two to three times a week or almost every day.
More than half of the respondents reported they played the games at shopping malls, while another 30% said they played at claw machine centers, with the remaining 10% playing the games at shabu or barbecue restaurants.
A student who participated in the survey said that she’d been playing claw machines for more than 10 years and had only won a doll once during that time. However, she keeps playing because repeated attempts create a strong desire to win, even if she keeps losing money.
Youth spending on claw machines adds up fast. On average, players reported spending about 200 baht ( around $6) per session, although some admitted to spending as much as 3,000 ( around $94) baht chasing prizes.
Claw Machines Face Gambling Classification but Patchy Enforcement
Thailand’s Gambling Act was updated in 2020 to classify claw machines as gambling equipment, since winning is based on chance and not skill. Because of this classification, operators must obtain a state license before installing them on their property.
In theory, the reclassification should have strengthened oversight of claw machines. However, in practice, enforcement has been inconsistent.
While outlining why enforcement has been so difficult, Pol. Lt. Col. Sanyapong Chotithanayaphat, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of the Central Investigation Bureau, said: “…enforcement of the law remains difficult due to the complexity of the law. The power to arrest rests with the provincial governor, while the operators are police officers, making coordination for arrests difficult.”
This fragmented approach has allowed machines to remain widespread, particularly in shopping malls where they continue to attract younger players.
Concerns About Claw Machines Extend Beyond Thailand
Thailand isn’t the only country where claw machines and prize-grab games are facing scrutiny. According to a study in the Journal of Gambling Studies, 97% of all young adults surveyed in the U.S. recalled using crane grab machines in childhood, and, in some cases, frequent use was linked to higher rates of adult gambling behavior and gambling-related harm.
A report by the U.K. Gambling Commission found that 70% of young people reported playing claw or crane grab machines. While the report stops short of linking these machines directly to clear harm, there was a statistically significant increase in youth problem gambling scores between 2023 and 2024, suggesting early exposure to such machines may be a marker worth tracking.
