In Rio de Janeiro, known for its various criminal activities, plushies have become a new concern as the police targeted joystick-controlled claw machines in a recent crackdown. The police executed 16 search warrants against these machines, alleging that they deceive users by presenting the game as a test of skill while being based on chance, akin to slot machines, making them illegal. The operation also led to the confiscation of machines, electronic devices, a firearm, and stuffed animals, with suspicions of organized crime involvement due to their control over other gambling activities in the city.
This enforcement action was the second of its kind following a previous raid in May when police seized 80 machines that were discovered to contain counterfeit plushies and were programmed to limit wins to a set number of attempts, enhancing the odds in favor of the machine. Despite their prevalence in places like shopping malls, supermarkets, and toy stores, the deceptive nature of claw machines raises concerns, particularly among young users who may not be aware of the underlying probabilities.
Alessandra Libonnati, a devoted player of claw machines in Rio, acknowledges the allure of the game but criticizes recent changes that have made the claws weaker, affecting her success rate. In the past, claw machines may have been more skill-based, but the modern versions often have undisclosed programming that favors the operator’s profitability. Industry experts assert that maintaining a balance between wins and losses is crucial for the longevity of arcades and gaming establishments.
Following the May raid, where nearly 13,000 stuffed animals were confiscated, a judge intervened to redirect the plushies to families affected by floods in Rio Grande do Sul state. However, the fate of the plushies seized in the recent operation remains uncertain, leaving the future of these claw machines and their furry prizes in limbo.