The short and direct answer is yes, the difficulty of winning on a toy crane machine can be and often is adjusted by the operator or owner. These machines, also known as claw machines or skill cranes, are not purely games of chance. They contain electronic settings that control their profitability.

The primary mechanism for adjustment is the "winning percentage" or "payout ratio" setting. Operators can program the machine so that the claw's grip strength varies between attempts. For a predetermined number of plays, the claw will operate with very weak strength, making it nearly impossible to secure and lift a prize. After a set number of failed attempts, the machine will enter a "winning cycle," where the claw's grip becomes strong enough to successfully grab and deliver a prize. This cycle is calculated to ensure the machine remains profitable while giving players occasional wins to maintain interest.

Other adjustable factors include the claw's drop position accuracy, the tension of the claw's opening, and the duration the claw remains closed. Some machines allow control over the claw's swing or the force of its descent. These settings collectively determine how much skill is genuinely involved versus pre-programmed outcomes.

While this practice is legal and standard in the industry, it walks a fine line. In many regions, machines advertised as "games of skill" must provide a reasonable opportunity to win based on player ability. If the settings make skill irrelevant, the machine could be classified as an illegal gambling device. Reputable operators balance settings to allow skilled players to win more frequently, using techniques like positioning the claw carefully or targeting specific items.

Therefore, while you can improve your chances with technique—such as aiming for lighter or properly positioned prizes—the underlying difficulty is fundamentally controlled by the machine's internal settings. Your success depends on a combination of your timing and skill and the machine's current programmed payout cycle.