Does Hong Kong have a problem with claw machine addiction?

Hongkonger Solo Young, 29 has spent about HK$50,000 (US$6,400) over the past six months on claw machines, fishing for plush toys of his favourite cartoon characters or those that he can resell for a higher price.

Young earns HK$21,000 a month as a logistics worker, and on a single day could spend up to HK$1,000 on the machines. In half a year, he accumulated more than 100 plush toys or figurines in his home, including those of his favourite characters from the manga series Chiikawa, and collectibles such as the Disney characters Duffy and Linabell.

“I got hooked on it. At first, I just wanted to have a try, then I found it enjoyable, and soon I was playing every day,” Young told the Post, saying it was especially fun when he spent a small amount on a game but landed a prize that could be resold for a few hundred dollars.

But more recently, Young said his obsession was starting to cause “disruptions” to his daily life.

“Things that I originally planned to do ended up getting postponed or left undone,” he said.

He was now trying to let go of some of his collectibles and had so far managed to sell 50 items, recouping around HK$3,000.