You are sure they are not legal? You need to prove that before you are sure.
Yes they are, Gambling machines some permit to be operated, I already ask to the Corner store owner if they have such document and they don't have it.
And even if they have such permit, The local law stated that Minors aren't allowed to operate them:
Local regulation said that the participation of minors in any type of gambling game is strictly prohibited. Gambling machines are included in these games prohibited for minors.
1. I wouldn't call this a problem and I've never heard the story of children being uncontrollably addicted to such.
Well that is because they growth and become adults addicted to gamble That is my whole point.
Obviously not 100% of the kids that play those machines become in adults addicted to gamble, but there are some articles describing the problem:
Gambling Initiation in PreadolescentsChildren’s attitudes towards Electronic Gambling MachinesConclusions
Despite policies that try to prevent children’s exposure to EGMs in community venues, children have peripheral exposure to EGMs within these environments. This exposure and children’s awareness of gambling behaviours of adults appear to play a role in shaping their attitudes towards EGMs. While further research should explore the range of other ancillary factors that contribute to children’s knowledge about these machines, policy makers should consider more effective strategies to prevent children from being exposed to EGMs in community venues.
Youth gambling problems: a public health perspectiveJust to mention some of them, there are dozens of articles that point almost the same.
If this was a problem then Japan probably has to close down because of how rampant gacha machines in there. Like literally every famous anime they have would probably have their own, so you can imagine just how littered the streets are with machines like these.
The machines that are you talking don't return money, thy return prizes like toys, teddy bears and stuff, (Yes is some kind of gambling but in a different way)
The machines that I am talking about return money directly and that is the problem.