Inspectors Check To Ensure Jersey Shore Boardwalk Games Are Playing Fairly

POINT PLEASANT, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Thousands of tourists are hitting the Jersey shore this summer to enjoy the sun, sand and boardwalk games. But are those arcades playing fairly?

As CBS2's Vanessa Murdock reported, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs was out Friday checking. An inspector walked CBS2 through exactly what they look for. He couldn't show his face, saying being anonymous is better when inspecting.

Five-year-old Laila said she was willing to let her grandma spend as much as it takes to win.

"My favorite thing is to win prizes," the little girl said.

Added Brian Miller, of Jefferson: "I like claw machines. They're actually a lot of fun, and I'm actually pretty good at them."

But are those games of chance taking you for a ride?

"When we do an inspection, we're going to go right to the counter person," the inspector said. "We're going to ask to see the license."

Then equipment gets checked. It must be certified by the state.

A crane machine, for example, holds capsules. Inside are a prize and bags of coins. But too many coins may weigh down the bag beyond the claw's capacity to lift it.

"We want to make sure that all the prizes that are in this are available to be won," the inspector said.

Multiple violations and hundreds of dollars in fines could be issued, and the game could be shut down.

As for boardwalk games, they get checked, too. Are the darts in good shape? Are the balloons underinflated?

It's also essential that rules of the games are posted and all prizes labeled.

Inspectors said they're out on the boardwalk almost daily, undercover of course, to ensure the games of chance are operated fairly.

Merchandise was also inspected for dangerous metals such as lead. The more than 30 items looked at were all fine.