New Rules for Game Machines and Internet Cafes in Hong Kong

May 5, 2026, 14:04
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The government wants new rules for claw machines and internet cafes. They want to stop people from spending too much money and time on these games.

Main Body

In 2022, a court said claw machines are not 'entertainment.' Now, many shops have these machines. The government thinks these games can hurt young people. They want to give these shops a special license. Some leaders want strict rules. One leader says games should cost only 5 dollars. He says prizes should not cost more than 300 dollars. Another leader says the rules should not be too hard. He wants the businesses to survive. Internet cafes will also have new rules. They must have a license now. They might stop students in school uniforms from entering. They must also be very safe.

Conclusion

The government will talk about these rules on Monday.

Learning

The 'Want' Pattern

In this text, the word want is used to show a goal or a desire. For A2 learners, the most important thing is how to connect want to another action.

The Rule: Person + want(s) + to + Action

Examples from the text:

  • Government →\rightarrow want →\rightarrow to stop
  • Government →\rightarrow want →\rightarrow to give

Why this matters: Beginners often forget the word "to".

  • ❌ I want stop.
  • ✅ I want to stop.

Money Words

Notice how the text describes prices. Use cost when talking about the price of an item.

  • "Games should cost only 5 dollars."
  • "Prizes should not cost more than 300 dollars."

Simple Tip: Item →\rightarrow cost →\rightarrow Price

Vocabulary Learning

government
The group of people who run a country.
Example:The government announced new rules.
rules
A set of instructions or laws that people must follow.
Example:They need to follow the rules.
claw
A sharp, curved nail on an animal's foot or a part of a machine that grabs objects.
Example:The claw machine is popular among kids.
machines
Devices that do work or perform tasks automatically.
Example:The machines make toys.
internet
A global network of computers that share information.
Example:She uses the internet to study.
cafe
A small restaurant that serves coffee and light meals.
Example:They met at the cafe.
spending
The act of using money to buy things.
Example:Spending too much can be bad.
money
Currency used to buy goods and services.
Example:He saved his money.
time
A measure of how long something lasts.
Example:She has no time for games.
court
A place where legal decisions are made.
Example:The court ruled the machines illegal.
entertainment
Activities that amuse or keep people busy.
Example:The games are not true entertainment.
shops
Places where goods are sold.
Example:The shops sell many items.
license
Official permission to do something.
Example:The shop needs a license.
leaders
People who guide or direct others.
Example:Leaders set the policies.
strict
Very firm or severe in rules or standards.
Example:The rules are strict.