Arcade worker shares trick to winning on claw machines that's 'all about timing'

Despite everyone's best efforts, those pesky claw machines can feel impossible. Most of us often end up inserting so many coins you could have simply bought the teddy from a shop.

But your luck could change, as there are some clever ways to improve your chances of winning, according to one arcade worker.

It turns out there actually is a way of walking away with a prize, and it's "all about timing".

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Demonstrating the so-called 'double tapping' technique in a video shared on TikTok, the arcade employee, who goes by @arcadefriends, said: "Some people don't know the secret about double tapping the claw machine."

They then asked followers to watch their hands as they double-tapped the grab button. The first tap was to lower the claw onto the pink teddy bear below, and the second was to close the claw around its head, reports the Mirror.

They explained the rationale behind their technique, stating: "This gives the claw a strong grip and keeps it from rotating too far."

The video demonstration showed them successfully using this clever trick to grab a stuffed bear and claim it as a prize. For many viewers, this was a new strategy.

The clip has racked up thousands of views, with numerous followers jotting down tips for their next arcade visit. One impressed viewer commented: "BEST TIP! Doesn't guarantee a win, but definitely ups your chances! ".

Another praised: "That's perfect timing as well! ," Another chimed in: "Man now I need to go back, why didn't I think of that."

Yet, some cautioned that the hack might not work everywhere, with claims that the machines are 'rigged' and wins are predetermined by the arcade owners. A sceptical commenter posted: "Whatever you do doesn't matter. The machine has been programmed to win based on a percentage decided by the shop."