LEVELING UP: HOW OPERATORS CAN MAXIMIZE ADULT AMUSEMENT PLACEMENTS IN BARS AND RESTAURANTS
The amusement and arcade industry is no longer confined to family entertainment centers or classic arcades. A growing segment of the industry is thriving in adult-oriented environments—bars, breweries, gastropubs, and restaurants—where entertainment isn't just a side offering, but a key component of the experience. For operators, these venues offer a unique opportunity to reach a high-spending, socially active demographic. But to capitalize on this potential, strategy is everything.
Here’s how operators can maximize their placement in these adult-centric locations to generate not just more fun—but more profit.
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: APPEAL TO THE 21+ Crowd
Adult amusement thrives on nostalgia, competition, and social interaction. Think less "whack-a-mole" and more digital darts, retro pinball, skee-ball leagues, virtual golf, and interactive trivia systems. Classic arcade games with a modern twist or multiplayer formats can trigger nostalgia while offering something fresh. The key is to offer experiences that engage groups, encourage repeat visits, and keep people spending longer (and more).
Pro Tip: Games with leaderboards or weekly tournaments build community and encourage repeat visits—essential in bar environments.
CHOOSE HIGH-TRAFFIC, HIGH-VISIBILITY PLACEMENTS
In restaurants and bars, space is at a premium. Operators should aim to strategically place machines in areas with consistent foot traffic, such as near waiting areas, patios, or game-focused zones within the venue.
Avoid stuffing games into poorly lit corners. If the machines aren’t seen, they aren’t played.
Operator Tip: Work with venue owners to designate “amusement zones” that balance gameplay and traffic flow without disrupting service.
ROTATE AND REFRESH REGULARLY
Bar regulars don’t want to see the same games for six months straight. To keep interest high, refresh your game mix regularly, or introduce seasonal events. New machines, fresh titles, or even temporary installs can spike play and draw attention.
Example: Try quarterly “Game Drops” with new titles or features, and promote them like a bar might promote a new seasonal cocktail.
CREATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH YOUR VENUE
A symbiotic relationship with the bar or restaurant is crucial. Offer incentives like revenue sharing, maintenance support, and co-branded events. Work together on promotions, tournaments, or giveaways that blend drink specials with gameplay.
Winning Combo: A “Free Play Friday” or “Score and Pour” night where high scorers win a drink discount can drive both gameplay and bar sales.
DATA IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
The best operators don’t guess—they track. Use analytics tools to monitor game performance, player behavior, and usage patterns. These insights can help optimize game mix, pricing, and machine placement over time.
KPI Ideas: Track plays per hour, average revenue per game, downtime incidents, and peak usage times to guide your strategy.
FOCUS ON LOW-MAINTENANCE, HIGH-DEURABILITY MACHINES
Bar environments are fun but unpredictable. Drinks get spilled, buttons get mashed, and things break. Choosing machines built for high durability—with responsive support and easy maintenance—is crucial to avoid costly downtime.
Checklist: Look for fast serviceable parts and manufacturers with strong tech support.
CONCLUSION
The adult amusement segment in bars and restaurants is more than a trend—it's a golden opportunity for operators who think strategically. By understanding the audience, optimizing placement, embracing technology, and partnering closely with venue owners, operators can turn every drink poured into a game played—and every game played into revenue earned.
It's not just about fun and games—it's smart business.