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Most machines I've seen can be configured at least on 3 parameters (names might be diferent): -Base grip power -Improved grip power -Probability of improved

Most machines I've seen can be configured at least on 3 parameters (names might be diferent): -Base grip power -Improved grip power -Probability of improved grip. Some have two actuators with different powers, some actually introduce a delay in the grip with a single actuator, and so on, so it might be not exactly like that. What I mean, they're set up according to the wishes of the operator. Sometimes it's the same as the owner of the venue, sometimes the venue rents the space to the operator. So it's totally normal to find some that are more skill-based than others, even within the same manufacturer and model. Story time: a friend worked in an arcade/bowling venue in the early 2000s, they had 3 machines, and changed the settings weekly to extract more money. Basically one of the machines had higher probabilities just at the level of breaking even, but that was enough to have someone stick around for longer and attract other customers to the other two. The week after those who had "luck" that came back would stick to the same to show off (and fail). Occasionally short queues for certain machines appeared.

effingwewt 5y ago
Seeing this as a kid/teenager who spent a lot of time in arcades between 1985-2000 or so was really eye-opening. My uncle managed the local Aladdin's Castle and was constantly tweaking the claws when people would win too much. Also the games where a light spins and you stop it- I saw many times where it landed square on jackpot and stalled a half second then moved to the next slot, and this was just for tickets and $.10 plush toys. Now as an adult having seen this and having been in software so long, I knew instantly these new 'fish games' were totally rigged. People play quarters on a table top arcade game that shoots at fish,like a top down Duck Hunt. I have some family members/friends for whom this is super addicting. They spend hundreds/thousands over time but don't see it because of that time they won $200. When I try to explain how weights work, how video slot machine games are rigged too...they never believe me. Why? It would be illegal if they did that, so I must clearly be wrong. Last time we went to vegas my friends got mad that I only played a few hands of blackjack for the experience. To me it's all just giving money away.

effingwewt 5y ago

Seeing this as a kid/teenager who spent a lot of time in arcades between 1985-2000 or so was really eye-opening. My uncle managed the local Aladdin's Castle and was constantly tweaking the claws when people would win too much. Also the games where a light spins and you stop it- I saw many times where it landed square on jackpot and stalled a half second then moved to the next slot, and this was just for tickets and $.10 plush toys. Now as an adult having seen this and having been in software so long, I knew instantly these new 'fish games' were totally rigged. People play quarters on a table top arcade game that shoots at fish,like a top down Duck Hunt. I have some family members/friends for whom this is super addicting. They spend hundreds/thousands over time but don't see it because of that time they won $200. When I try to explain how weights work, how video slot machine games are rigged too...they never believe me. Why? It would be illegal if they did that, so I must clearly be wrong. Last time we went to vegas my friends got mad that I only played a few hands of blackjack for the experience. To me it's all just giving money away.