Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general information purposes only and isn't legal advice. It might not be accurate or up-to-date. Laws and regulations can change quickly and may vary depending on your location. Please check with your local or state government for the most current regulations. Using this information doesn't create any sort of professional relationship between you and the author(s) or owner(s) of this page.
Claw machines, also known as skill cranes or claw cranes, are arcade games that involve a player using a joystick to manipulate a claw in an attempt to pick up a prize. Due to the element of chance involved in these games, they can sometimes fall under the umbrella of local regulations.
In many places, the regulations surrounding claw machines can be complex, falling under a mixture of local, state, and federal laws. Here are some aspects that might be covered:
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Classification: Some states might classify claw machines as games of skill rather than games of chance, which can affect their legal status.
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Permits and Licensing: Some states may require arcade owners to get a permit or license to operate claw machines.
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Prizes: There might be restrictions on the types of prizes that can be offered, their value, or the manner in which they are presented.
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Location: Some states or local municipalities might restrict where claw machines can be placed (for example, they may be allowed in arcades but not in supermarkets).
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Age Restrictions: There could be age restrictions on who can play claw machines, particularly if they are classified as a form of gambling.
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Revenue Taxes: Claw machine earnings could be subject to certain taxation.
Remember that the specifics will vary from state to state, so this is a very general guide. For detailed, accurate, and up-to-date information, you would need to look up the laws for each state or consult with a legal expert. Also, please note that this advice is not meant as legal counsel, and for any legal concerns, a licensed attorney should be consulted.
Here is a summary of the claw machine regulations in each state:
Alabama
There are no specific regulations governing claw machines in Alabama.
Alaska
There are no specific regulations governing claw machines in Alaska.
Arizona
Claw machines are considered to be gambling devices in Arizona. As a result, they are subject to the same regulations as other gambling devices, such as slot machines and roulette wheels.
Arkansas
Claw machines are considered to be gambling devices in Arkansas. As a result, they are subject to the same regulations as other gambling devices, such as slot machines and roulette wheels.
California
Claw machines are regulated by the California Department of Business Oversight. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Colorado
Claw machines are regulated by the Colorado Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Connecticut
Claw machines are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Delaware
Claw machines are regulated by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement. The division has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Florida
Claw machines are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Georgia
Claw machines are regulated by the Georgia Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Hawaii
Claw machines are regulated by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Idaho
Claw machines are regulated by the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Illinois
Claw machines are regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. The board has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Indiana
Claw machines are regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Iowa
Claw machines are regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Kansas
Claw machines are regulated by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Kentucky
Claw machines are regulated by the Kentucky Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Louisiana
Claw machines are regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The board has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Maine
Claw machines are regulated by the Maine Gaming Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Maryland
Maryland
Claw machines are regulated by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Massachusetts
Claw machines are regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Michigan
Claw machines are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The board has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Minnesota
Claw machines are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Mississippi
Claw machines are regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Missouri
Claw machines are regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Montana
Claw machines are regulated by the Montana Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Nebraska
Claw machines are regulated by the Nebraska Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Nevada
Claw machines are regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The board has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
New Hampshire
Claw machines are regulated by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
New Jersey
Claw machines are regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The division has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
New Mexico
Claw machines are regulated by the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. The board has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
New York
Claw machines are regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
North Carolina
Claw machines are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
North Dakota
Claw machines are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Ohio
Claw machines are regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Oklahoma
Claw machines are regulated by the Oklahoma State Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Oregon
Claw machines are regulated by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Pennsylvania
Claw machines are regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The board has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Rhode Island
Claw machines are regulated by the Rhode Island Lottery Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
South Carolina
Claw machines are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
South Dakota
Claw machines are regulated by the South Dakota Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes.
Tennessee
Claw machines are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Texas
Claw machines are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Utah
Claw machines are regulated by the Utah Department of Commerce. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Vermont
Claw machines are regulated by the Vermont Department of Public Service. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Virginia
Claw machines are regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Washington
Claw machines are regulated by the Washington State Gambling Commission. The commission has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
West Virginia
Claw machines are regulated by the West Virginia Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Wisconsin
Claw machines are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
Wyoming
Claw machines are regulated by the Wyoming Department of Revenue. The department has established a number of regulations governing the size of the prizes, the strength of the claw, and the odds of winning.
It is important to note that the regulations governing claw machines vary from state to state. It is always best to check with the local authorities to ensure that you are complying with all applicable laws and regulations.