New Jersey arcade games inspected to ensure proper play

Arcade games are a summer staple all over amusement parks, and up and down the Jersey shore.

It's no secret they can be tough to win, leaving many to wonder if they're even legal.

They're classic games of chance, but more often than not players feel the agony of defeat.

So is it possible that the game's operators aren't playing fair?

To make sure, New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs inspects every single game in the state at least once a year.

ABC News tagged alone with their team for some surprise inspections.

First up was the balloon game.

One of the things that would make the game unfair for the consumer is if the tip is not pointed and sharp.

And while inspecting the game, Paul Johnson from the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs identifies one issue immediately.

"I see a couple of balloons that aren't up to par that need to be inflated," he says.

Next up is the hoops game.

"Let's see if a basketball would fit through that rim," said Johnson. "Yep, we have plenty of room around is. Check the rim to see if it's level and looking good."

This game also gets the seal of approval.

Last up is the claw game, which can be the most frustrating of all - dropping that coveted prize even after the player grabs it.

The inspector tests the tension on the game - and it's fine.

But the claw next to it is not.

The inspector tells ABC News that the claw's grip is too weak to hold the prize.

"Is there a way we can increase the claw strength on this piece?" he asks.

But the employee is unaware of how to fix it, so the game is shut down on the spot.

This employee tells ABC News that when prizes are changed, they may sometimes forget to adjust the tension.

The arcade company, Casino Pier, tells ABC News: "We were surprised of this violation and are immediately correcting the issue caused by the crane in question."

Still, New Jersey's Attorney Genreal John Jay Hoffman says his office doesn't play when it comes to game violations.

So what does he says he's trying to ensure for the consumer?

"Fairness. Of course everybody can't win every time. But we also don't want to be in a situation which people unfairly lose," said Hoffman.