• The difficulty of ‘winning’ in a claw game varies by machine. Manufacturers can adjust several variables to make the game either more or less difficult. They include: changing the length of time allowed for each attempt, changing the strength of the claw’s grip, cramming together the prizes so they are more difficult to pull out, or making it so that the claws only keep hold of the prize every X attempts.
• Claw machine operators generally aim to award $3 in prizes for every $10 spent.
• The best way to ensure success is to watch others play to better understand the idiosyncrasies of the machine. Then, when you’re ready to begin, have a friend stand beside the machine so that they can help you better gauge depth.

To read more about the laws relating to claw machines (you can call them “claws”), and the more colourful name that Europeans give to the devices click here.

Source: Slate