The trick is figuring out the different 'modes' and attempting to win the highest number of replays possible - kinda like regular flipper games!
You have a betting mode where you have to put in one or multiple coins - each coin gives you a chance at an advance in scores (replays you can win) or features (moving numbers or extra lines in Parade's case). Then you do have to gauge your plunge. For me, it is really a left side/right side/center skillshot. Then, the skill to nudge without tilting is important.
Hitting a good number is important, but even more important is being able to change your target holes with each plunge. There is lots and lots of thinking involved, which makes them unique pinball machines. Imagine, if you will - you have a chance to win 600 replays. In order to do so, you need to land in #17. It's your last shot, no extra balls available. You plunge, the ball comes down the right side (towards #17)... it misses... Oh no - It's heading towards #22! You have to be able to bounce/nudge the ball around the hole and come down the ball return. You do - the ball lifts back to you. You plunge, and again, it's coming down the right hand side. You miss #17 again!!! You steer it back to the ball return again. This time, you wipe the sweat from your brow and plunge.
So this is your 'playing' mode, then if you get three/four/five in a row, you are in your 'winning' mode. You hit your #17, and I'll tell you - there is no sound more satisfying in pinball than hitting the final number you need for 600 replays and hearing that meter start to tick up.
There can also be an 'Extra ball' mode, where you buy in for extra chances at getting that number you need.
Oh, and then there's 'tilt' mode. You lose the game, no chance of recovery.
No, you don't win tickets/prizes/cash anymore, but having the skill to get a five-in-a-row requires patience and dedication.
I was not a believer (so complex! I couldn't even understand all the things that were going on!) until I made my first big hit (with my friend telling me the best number to shoot for/buttons to press, etc).
I think having a friend that knows how to play them also helps, but I've tried to do my part in getting the info out there.