The Unexpected Health Benefits of Amusement Games
BFC Enterprises • October 21, 2024

Plenty of studies have shown that lack of physical exercise can have adverse effects on children as they grow. While physical activity remains as important as ever, many recent studies show that playing games, especially arcade and amusement games, has inherent health benefits for both children and adults. 


Gaming stimulates and soothes the mind in ways that routine exercise cannot. Let's take a look at four ways playing amusement games can improve health and abilities:

Improves Cognitive Abilities. Even the most basic games boost multi-tasking and decision-making skills. Gaming forces one to make spit-second decisions and stand behind them. Whether players choose the correct choices or not, the ability to decide is developed. Decision-making skills are especially beneficial for as children become teens, and indecisiveness can cause quite a bit of damage.

Improves Reflexes and Muscle Memory. Whether using the simple controls of joystick-style arcade game or more complex controller, playing games builds muscle memory. In turn, this improves reflexes and hand eye coordination which are used in a variety of daily skills, such as typing, driving and tying shoelaces. Studies have even found that in professions that utilize fine motor skills, such as surgeons, gamers outperformed non-gaming students and co-workers by a large margin.

Gaming Reduces Stress and Depression. Studies have found that kids who suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, showed a notable improvement in condition after venting their frustrations playing an arcade or amusement game. Health professionals have even developed some games that help reduce physical pain in those suffering from chronic illnesses or severe wounds.

Curbs Cravings and Helps Reduce Weight. While there are no replacements for a balanced diet and exercise, gaming can help curb cravings. When bored or anxious, many people reach for snacks. Getting out of the house and going to an arcade reduces emotional eating by keeping players engaged mentally and physically. Less snacking means maintaining a healthy weight, or even reducing weight for some people.

No matter what type of venue you operate, adding amusement games can be a healthy part of the mix. Games have many benefits, including health benefits for players, and are likely to attract a more diverse customer base. To find out more about placing amusement games in your business, contact BFC Enterprises today!
By BFC Enterprises April 22, 2025
Want to boost foot traffic, increase customer dwell time, and generate new revenue streams? Adding amusement games to your retail space, restaurant, or community center may be the answer you've been searching for.
By BFC Enterprises April 8, 2025
As U.S. businesses increasingly go cashless, some cities and states are passing laws requiring retailers to accept cash for in-person payments. This blog explains why many Americans still rely on cash despite so many non-cash payment options and why not accepting cash is bad for businesses.