警惕“捕鱼机”以娱乐为名设下赌博陷阱

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing crackdown on illegal gambling activities involving "fishing machines" across various regions in China, emphasizing the legal consequences for those operating such establishments [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Actions and Consequences - In October 2023, a court in Changchun, Jilin Province, sentenced two individuals for operating a casino using "fishing machines," which were disguised as entertainment devices but functioned as gambling traps [1]. - The court found that the operators had received a total of 437,094.9 yuan in gambling funds, leading to sentences of 18 months and 6 months in prison, along with fines of 10,000 yuan and 5,000 yuan respectively [1]. - The legal framework indicates that any electronic device with gambling functions, offering cash or valuable items as prizes, constitutes illegal gambling under Chinese law [2]. Group 2: Risks and Social Impact - The design of "fishing machines" often creates an illusion of winning, leading players into a cycle of increasing losses, which can result in severe financial consequences for individuals, including theft and fraud [3]. - Young individuals are particularly vulnerable, with some being misled into believing that playing these machines is harmless, which can distort their values and lead to academic neglect [4].