Laser-based and non-laser-based visual targeting systems for use with skill cranes and other amusement vending machines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an amusement vending machine includes a see-through enclosure containing at least one prize. A user-operable controller, such as a joystick, positioned on the outside of the enclosure is operably connected to a pick-up device, such as a claw, positioned within the enclosure. Selective operation of the controller causes the pick-up device to move within the enclosure and perform a prize pick-up maneuver. In one aspect of this embodiment, the amusement machine further includes a visual targeting system that provides a visual indication of the position of the pick-up device relative to the prize to assist the player in positioning the pick-up device before attempting the prize pick-up maneuver.