Hong Kong to tighten grip on claw machines under new licensing proposal

Hong Kong authorities are proposing new regulations to increase oversight of claw machines and similar amusement games with prizes. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau released a document on Monday outlining a plan to require individual licenses for each device. This move aims to prevent gambling addiction by tightening control over these popular machines, which have seen a surge in prevalence across the city. The proposal also includes a mandatory licensing regime for internet cafes. These changes are a response to growing public concern regarding the addictive nature of games incorporating gambling elements.