Consumer Council data reveals complaints about claw machines surged from 16 to 138 in three years
Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has reported that grievances against claw machine operators in the city have increased by over 760 percent in the past three years, fueled by public frustration over allegedly deceptive displays, manipulated settings, and low-quality prizes, according to the agency.
Council chief executive Alaina Shum Jiu-fai attributed the sharp rise in complaints over a short timeframe largely to the rapid proliferation of these arcades in shopping centers and retail spaces.
“As the industry expands, its mechanism design, information disclosure, and customer support are inadequate,” Shum said, noting that disputes were becoming more frequent and intricate.
She added that the government would initiate a public consultation to tighten regulations on claw machines, with a focus on machine design and information transparency to protect consumer rights.
The watchdog also highlighted a case involving a woman who spent HK$200 (US$25.50) on a claw machine stocked with miniature toy suitcases and boxes that appeared to hold identical items.