Key Moments:
- A survey by the Youth Network Against Gambling reported that 94 percent of respondents aged 12-25 have used claw machines
- Regulatory challenges persist due to fragmented enforcement under Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935
- Authorities have recently impounded unauthorized claw machines near schools in several Thai provinces
Popularity Among Young Players
A survey conducted by the Youth Network Against Gambling has revealed that claw machines, commonly referred to as crane grabbers, have gained substantial popularity among Thai children and young adults, despite classification as gambling devices under national law.
Among 700 participants between 12 and 25 years old, 94 percent reported playing claw machines at least once. Of these, 61 percent specifically played toy-grabbing variants. According to Wasinee Sonsaeb, network coordinator, “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.”
For many, claw machines are more than a casual pastime. Approximately 23 percent played two to three times per week or almost daily. The average session reportedly cost around 200 baht, though some individuals disclosed spending as much as 3,000 baht in one attempt. One student shared that after more than ten years playing, she had only won a doll once, but still continued due to a strong urge to win.
Key Venues and Spending Patterns
Shopping malls emerged as the most common setting for gameplay, as 53 percent of respondents identified these locations. Specialized arcades attracted 30 percent, while 10 percent found claw machines in shabu or barbecue restaurants.
| Location | Percent of Players |
|---|---|
| Shopping Malls | 53% |
| Specialized Arcades | 30% |
| Restaurants (shabu/barbecue) | 10% |
Legal Status and Enforcement Gaps
Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935 categorizes claw machines as gambling devices, given the outcome is not determined solely by skill. Operators must receive licenses from the Interior Ministry. Pol Lt Col Sanyapong Chotithanayaphat, deputy superintendent of the Central Investigation Bureau, stated, “…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 divided enforcement structure has allowed claw machines to remain visible throughout shopping malls, drawing in young patrons.
Recent Enforcement Actions
Authorities have recently taken measures against machines lacking proper authorization. In May, city police in Nakhon Si Thammarat seized claw machines situated near schools and tutoring centers. Pol Lt Col Narakorn Ladchuay, acting deputy superintendent, commented, “The machines were being used without authorisation and may be classified as gambling devices under Thai law. Owners who come forward to reclaim the seized machines will face legal action.”
Comparable operations occurred in Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district and Nakhon Nayok province, where officials removed unlicensed machines from public locations and arcades amid concerns about their influence on youth behavior.
Debate on Regulation
Wasinee Sonsaeb has called for government action to establish a specific agency overseeing claw machines, aiming to shield children and young people from gambling risks. Meanwhile, Sornvis Panjamaneechot, president of the Arcade and Vending Machine Business Association, emphasized that operators seek clearer guidance and that the intention of the machines is “to encourage family bonding and creativity, not to harm youths.”
Insights from Abroad
Surveys abroad share similar concerns. The Journal of Gambling Studies published findings that 97 percent of young adults in the US recalled using crane grab machines in childhood, and frequent players reported higher tendencies toward gambling as adults. The UK Gambling Commission reported that 70 percent of young people had played claw machines, with early exposure possibly increasing risk for problematic gambling behavior.
Gambling Policy and the Tourism Sector
This discussion coincides with political developments. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has opted against casino legalization during his administration, dismissing prospects for the Entertainment Complex Bill intended to introduce resort casinos for tourism and foreign capital. Poker has gained recognition as a sport and card games are permitted under certain conditions, but there is little sign of further liberalization under current leadership.
Despite mounting concerns, claw machines continue to be widely accessible, with significant spending among young users, prompting calls for enhanced oversight and legal authority.
- Author
Daniel Williams
