Police In Rio De Janeiro Executed 16 Search Warrants And Seized Claw Machines And Their Prizes, Suspecting Organized Crime Groups Could Be Behind The Games
Police in Rio de Janeiro have been targeting claw machines for potential criminal activity. But how could claw machines be a threat to the public?
The popular arcade game is enjoyed by children and adults alike. The thrill of possibly winning a fun prize brings people back to play again and again.
However, the police stated that the claw machines are a way of scamming users. They are games of chance rather than skill and are similar to slot machines, which the government considers to be illegal.
Claw machines are located in supermarkets, shopping malls, subway stations, arcades, and toy stores throughout Rio de Janeiro.
On August 28, the police carried out 16 search warrants and seized the machines and their prizes, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, a firearm, and even the adorable plushies.
They are looking into whether organized crime groups may be responsible for the claw machines since they already run slot machines and a lottery known as “Animal Game” across the city.
It was the second time that police have cracked down on claw machines. Back in May, officers confiscated another 80 machines. They were stocked with counterfeit plushies, but that wasn’t the worst part.
A thorough analysis of their programming found that it was rigged. Winning pulls were only allowed after a certain number of attempts.
Successful snags were made with an electrical current from the claw so that it held onto the prize. Of course, children are not aware of the programming and are prone to blowing their pocket money for a chance to earn a prize.
arthierry – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
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One talented claw machine player is 41-year-old Alessandra Libonatti. She has been playing for almost three decades.
She still remembers when the machines first showed up in the city. They created a lot of buzz and excitement.
Nowadays, she usually plays once a week, either alone or at the mall with friends. Over the years, she has perfected her techniques.
“When I pass by a machine, I give it a look to see if there’s a stuffed animal that makes it worth it to play,” Libonatti said. “Because it’s not always worth it; sometimes, it’s clearly a waste of money.”
Her favorite prize she’s earned is a manatee with the spots of a jaguar. She won it during a trip with friends to the nation’s capital.
In the past, claw machines may have been feats of skill, but most modern machines are programmed in a way that lets operators predetermine how profitable they are.
In much of the United States, claw machines are considered games of chance and are exempt from gambling statutes.
Claw machine players in Rio, including Libonatti, have noticed that the claws have become weaker. The phenomenon has been dubbed “the weak claw scam” by a local media outlet.
Back in May, police confiscated almost 13,000 stuffed animals. Initially, the plushies were headed for destruction, but they ended up being donated to families who lost their homes due to flooding.
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