EverySingleDay

Ever consider assigning them UUIDs?

You know, just to future-proof the problem. In case you get more moms.

I'm sure it all varies from machine to machine, but yes, at least some machines have variable claw strengths settable by the machine's operators.

As the linked comment mentions, most of the modern crane games in Japan are super sophisticated. They are able to detect weight and distance away from the prize chute to make each play look as close to winning as possible, by picking up prizes and letting them just barely slip out of the claws at the latest possible moment to avoid a win. The machines are programmed to death grip and ensure the win after a certain number of plays, called the 確率 (kakuritsu), and avoid paying out before that.