Are Arcade Machines Worth It?

The short answer is yes! Arcade machines are a fantastic investment and can make your business plenty of money.

However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the benefits of investing in an arcade machine, the things you need to consider, the costs involved, the types of machines out there, and exactly how much money you can make, read on! 

Benefits of Investing in an Arcade Machine

They are Seriously Fun for Your Patrons! 

First, one of the biggest reasons to invest in an arcade machine is that they are a whole heap of fun.

Arcade machines get people playing together, staying at your place longer and interacting with one another. All when they would otherwise be sitting there in silence sipping their beers. 

By bringing people together, you can help them have a better time, and so they will want to spend more time in your establishment. This means better profits for your business.

Ensuring that your customers have a fun and social environment also means a better reputation for your business, which will help to attract a steady stream of new patrons too. 

Arcade Machines Make You Money! 

In addition to making sure your venue is packed with people having fun, it's also important to note that investing in an arcade machine has the potential to up your profits.

This is because people will pay to play your machines, providing you with an additional and steady income stream of around AUD 400-900 a week! 

How Much Does an Arcade Machine Cost to Purchase and Run? 

The benefits of owning an arcade machine are obvious but that is not the only thing you’ll need to consider before buying one.

In particular, you will need to think about how much they cost to buy and to run, and whether that will provide a good investment for your establishment.

The good news is you can read a detailed breakdown of this very subject in the next section below.

Primary Purchase Cost

When it comes to the costs involved in running an arcade machine, the first thing you need to consider is how much it will cost to buy.

Here's where good business sense comes in, as secondhand or cheaper units might seem like an initial bargain, but because of a lack of quality, they can cost you a great deal more in the long run. 

With this in mind, investing in a good quality device which will set you back from around AUD 1500-2000 is pretty typical when buying an arcade machine. 

How Much Does an Arcade Machine Cost to Run? 

In addition to the price of purchasing your arcade machine, you will also need to assess how much it will cost you to run. This will include operational costs such as electricity, insurance, and taxes. 

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of any repairs, as well as general maintenance. This is because without these things your machine will not bring in a steady income over the long term. 

How Much Money Can You Make From an Arcade Machine?

In terms of the ROI on your arcade machine, you can usually expect to start seeing a return on your investment from around a year and a half to two years.

However, some elements will have an impact on your ROI. These include what type of machine/games you offer, as well as the type of establishment you run, whether you offer food, as well as drinks, and how busy your establishment is. 

What Kind Of Arcade Machine Should You Buy?

In the section above, we talk about how the type of machine and games can help your investment become profitable sooner. Indeed, it can pay to understand the different machines on the market as well as their particular benefits. 

Machines for Retro Enthusiasts 

Retro arcade games like the iconic ghost-devouring Pac-Man, and the Earth-Protecting Space Invaders are big business right now.

People love them because not only are they simple and addictive to play, but because they also create a wonderful sense of nostalgia in those that played them the first time around.

Those who have never played them before tend to think they are edgy and cool as well, which is a win-win for your business. You can expect an income of about AUD 100-200 a week from this type of machine. 

Machines for The Pinball Wizards 

That oh-so-deceptively simple task of keeping that little silver ball in play will always be popular, making pinball machines a great choice for your business.

They come in a wide range of options, themes, and cases too, often with sound and flashing lights which can liven up your venue. You can expect a return of around AUD 150-200 a month from this type of machine. 

Machines for The Winners 

If arcade machines spewing tickets is a core, positive memory from your childhood, you’ll want to consider the fun of ticket-redeeming machines.

Available in a multitude of options from basketball hoops, to whack-a-mole, redeeming machines encourage players to continue playing for prizes that cost your business relatively little and can be bought wholesale. Expect to make between AUD 200-400 a week from these little beauties! 

Machines for The Pretenders 

Simulations whether for shooting, fighting, or racing are incredibly popular right now. It's not hard to see why either, as they offer enthralling play that includes situations that players would never get to experience in real life.

These types of simulation arcade machines often bring in up to AUD 250-300 per week. 

Factors to Consider Before Investing in an Arcade Machine

To decide whether an arcade machine is the right investment for your business it's important that you consider several critical factors. Continue reading to find the most significant of these below. 

Where Will You Put Your Arcade Machine?

First of all, before you invest in an arcade machine you must consider whether you have enough space to house it properly.

This is because arcade machines are relatively large, needing up to 2 Sqm per machine. Be sure to check the measurements of a machine before you buy, because placing it in an area with too little space may affect how often it gets used. 

How Much Have You Got To Spend On Your Machine?

Next, considering what you have in your budget to dedicate to the purpose of purchasing an arcade machine is crucial.

Indeed, you will need to do a calculation comparing cheaper options and their predicted ROIs with the high-quality and more expensive ones, before you make your final choice. 

Who Will Play The Machine?

You will also need to carefully consider the target audience for your arcade machine.

The best way to do this is to look at who your main customer base is made up of including factors such as age, gender, income, and the types of machines and games they like. Then buy a machine that best fits these things. After all, your aim here is to get the people who visit your business to play it as much as possible. 

You can always ask your patrons what kind of machine they would prefer too. This should help you get a better idea of what will be specifically suited to your business. 

Before Purchasing an Arcade Machine Do These Crucial Things! 

Once you have considered all the factors above it's time to take action. However, you’re not quite ready to make your purchase yet. Instead, there is one final and important thing you need to do first! 

Find an Arcade Machine Supplier That You Can Trust! 

That’s right! You need to find a trustworthy and reputable arcade machine supplier like The Modern Cave. Arcade machines are complex pieces of equipment, so you’ll want to work with the experts.

You’ll also want to make sure the machines you purchase are of excellent quality and will be reliable over the long term. Finally, you’ll want to be able to access a wide choice of different types of machines, so you can match the needs of your customers and patrons perfectly. 

The good news is that by choosing The Modern Cave for all your arcade machine needs you can fulfil all these essentials and more. Visit our easy-to-use website and browse our large selection of arcade machines today.

Alternatively, contact us to find out how we can support you on your arcade machine investment journey. 

Final Thoughts on Do Arcade Machines Make Money?

Are arcade machines worth it? Take a look at the information above, and you’ll see that the answer to this question has to be a resounding: yes! 

Remember though, you’ll need to pay out the initial cost of buying a machine and cover the cost of keeping it maintained and running as well.

However, the ROI you can expect in terms of profits, and creating a fun experience for your customers is well worth the initial investment!