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.

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. 

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.  

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.