Hong Kong authorities have proposed a licensing regime for claw and pinball machines, capping play fees at HK$5 and prizes at HK$300, to tackle rising addiction cases among teenagers. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau's measures, submitted to the Legislative Council's home affairs panel, include addiction warnings and address proliferation following a 2022 court ruling; lawmakers support the plan while urging industry balance.
Claw machine shops have proliferated in Hong Kong, especially after a 2022 court ruling exempted operators from needing a public entertainment licence. These venues now offer high-value prizes, with some pinball operators accused of cashing out rewards through 'gift redemption' or 'private buy-backs', leading customers to overspend.
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau announced on Monday (May 5, 2026) plans to bring claw machines and other prize-based amusement games under a mandatory licensing regime, potentially requiring individual licences per device and oversight for venues like internet cafes. Licence holders must cap spending at HK$5 (64 US cents) per play, limit prizes to HK$300 or below, and display addiction risk warning notices.
The proposal, submitted to the Legislative Council's home affairs, culture and sports panel, responds to surging addiction cases and aims to clarify regulations, preventing perceptions of illegal gambling. Bill Tang Ka-piu, the panel chairman, stated: “Unregulated machines may give the impression of illegal gambling... By clearly drawing these lines, we can monitor social trends.” Fellow member Vincent Cheng Wing-shun also backs the measures.
A related bill from the Home Affairs Department is set for LegCo discussion next week, balancing user protection with industry growth.