3 Reasons Amusement Games Are Good for Retailers in 2024
BFC Enterprises • January 18, 2024
The heyday of sprawling video arcades packed with rows of cabinets playing 8-bit wonders like Pac-Man and Space Invaders may be long gone. But amusement and redemption games still offer tremendous value for bars, restaurants, family entertainment centers, and other retail locations - even in 2024.

Here are three reasons why adding a few
amusement games can be a smart bet this year.
Adults Are Playing More Than Ever
The stereotype of gaming being just for preteen boys mashing buttons in their parents' basement hasn't been accurate for years. Today's adults are the first generation to have grown up with home video game consoles and internet access. They spent their free time in Tilt and other arcades or at home in front of their Nintendo, Sega, Xbox, PlayStation, or PC.
As a result, Millennials (approx. 1980-1995) play more games across more platforms than any other demographic – including Gen Z (1996-2012) and Gen Alpha (2013-?). A 2022 report from the Entertainment Software Association found the
average video game player is now 33 years old. Overall, about 3 in 4 American adults play video games regularly.
What does this mean for amusement gaming? It means anything from Skee-Ball to a modern virtual reality setup in a restaurant, bar, or other retail establishment isn’t just kid stuff anymore. These types of activities appeal heavily to today’s largest adult market who are stopping in for happy hour or bringing their families by to find something to do after dinner.
Games Increase Time and Money Spent In-Location
On a typical day, amusement games aren't usually going to be the main reason a group chooses your establishment. However, they can
incentivize guests to stick around longer once they arrive.
Adding a few self-serve games can help capture more revenue from patrons by pulling in game funds as well as the additional food, beverages, and merchandise they will be tempted to purchase. When presented with a gaming option, many customers will choose to
unwind, relieve stress, and gain some mental stimulation by enjoying a quick round of air hockey, basketball, or video games.
But it’s also easy to make your on-site amusement games a customer draw. Many locations have found success with
tournaments, special gaming offers, and even gaming loyalty programs. These tactics incentivize gaming activity, call attention to the entertainment offered, and appeal to new potential regulars. Overall amusement games can lead directly to higher overall spending on food, drinks retail goods, or other services.
Underutilized Space Becomes a Revenue Driver
Floor space in prime retail areas doesn't come cheap. So, any unproductive zones like dull hallways or nearly abandoned patios are effectively wasting money. Luckily,
amusement games are uniquely suited to convert useless square footage into consistent earnings. The compact footprints of many cabinet setups mean you can often squeeze a game practically anywhere without remodeling.
Walls, half-walls, entryways, vestibules, and even storage rooms can house anything from single-player video redemption games to multi-player classics like foosball. Even better, just one video arcade terminal can reasonably generate $200 to $485 per week, especially if patrons aren’t hunting for quarters but can instead use
cashless payment methods.
Modern Games Offer Flexible and Engaging Experiences
Amusement games have come a long way. There are options from simplistic mechanical devices requiring quarters to high-tech video gaming, VR, and other interactive options. Even better, many of today’s video and interactive games provide built-in loyalty programs, dynamic ticket redemption, live tournament modes, and online statistic tracking.
Similarly, when it comes to switching things up to keep customer attention, many newer games can change season themes, provide lighting or music customization, and more. These options help keep the consumer experience fresh while allowing for creative promotions and partnerships.
Ultimately, cramming in a full-scale arcade with dozens of cabinets is unrealistic for most establishments today. But sprinkling in a few smart amusement game choices provides an affordable way to keep customers engaged, spending more, and coming back again and again.
To discuss the latest amusement gaming options for bars, restaurants, and retail spaces,
contact the experts at BFC Enterprises today for a custom consultation.

That's exactly why partnering with BFC Enterprises to select and manage your amusement games is a smart move. You get expertly matched equipment that maximizes fun, keeps customers engaged, and hits your revenue goals, without any of the guesswork or hassle. Game Selection Backed by Real Experience BFC Enterprises has spent decades placing games in all kinds of business environments. We've seen what works in shopping centers versus family restaurants. We know which games draw teenagers at youth sports facilities and which ones keep adults entertained at bars while they wait for their food. When we evaluate your location, we're looking at your customer base, your foot traffic patterns, and your available space. We're thinking about who's walking through your doors, how long they typically stay, and what kind of entertainment matches their vibe. Then we match game styles to those factors for optimal performance. You shouldn't have to figure this out through expensive trial and error. We already know what works. Maximize Play and Profit Here's a truth every business owner should know: not all amusement games perform equally in every location. Some games get tons of attention and consistent play. Others just take up space. We use data and hands-on experience to choose games that will actually get played. We place the ones that grab attention, generate consistent activity, and deliver the highest revenue return. This means more passive income for you without spending months testing different machines to see what sticks. Think of it this way: we're not just dropping random equipment in your location and hoping for the best. We're strategically placing proven performers that match your specific environment. That's the difference between a few extra bucks a month and a meaningful revenue stream. Regular Rotation Without the Hassle Even the best games can get stale after a while. That's why we don't just set it and forget it. BFC Enterprises actively monitors game performance at your location. When we notice engagement dropping or when there's an opportunity to refresh things, we rotate games to keep your customers interested and having fun. We also select seasonal prizes that keep people playing longer and coming back to see what's new. The best part? You don’t have to track any of this yourself. We handle the strategy, the swaps, and the prize selection. Your customers stay entertained, and you keep earning, all without lifting a finger. Full-Service Support You Can Count On When you partner with BFC Enterprises , you're not just getting equipment delivered and left behind. You're getting complete, ongoing support. We handle compatibility issues, maintenance, prize stocking, and repairs. If something breaks, you're not scrambling to fix it or figure out who to call. Our team takes care of everything while you focus on what you do best – serving your customers and running your business. This is truly passive income. No headaches, no technical problems to solve, no wondering if you picked the right equipment. Just steady earnings from games that work. The Bottom Line Adding amusement games to your location is a smart way to increase customer engagement, extend dwell time, and create an additional revenue stream. But only if you choose the right games and manage them properly. When you partner with BFC Enterprises, you get the best-performing, highest-return amusement setup – customized specifically to your business and your customers – without any of the work. We bring the expertise, the equipment, and the ongoing support. You bring the space and the customers. Together, we create more fun, more engagement, and more profit. Ready to get started? Contact BFC Enterprises today and let's build the perfect amusement game setup for your location. 📞 (314) 961-9000 🌐 bfcenterprises.com/contact

