<P> A carnival game is a game of chance or skill that can be seen at a traveling carnival, charity fund raiser, amusement arcade and amusement park, or on a state and county fair midway . They are also commonly played on holidays such as Mardi Gras, Saint Patrick's Day, and Oktoberfest . </P> <P> Carnival games are usually operated on a "pay per play" basis . Prices may range from a small amount, for example 25 ¢ (cents), to a few dollars per play . Most games offer a small prize to the winner . Prizes may include items like stuffed animals, toys, or posters . Continued play is encouraged as multiple small prizes may traded in for a larger prize . Multiplayer games--the "Watergun" game is one example--may change the size of the prize with the number of players . In a more difficult game, including the "Baseball and Basket" or "Stand the Bottle", a large prize may be awarded to any winner . </P>

Where did and when did carnival games originate