LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: WHERE TO PLACE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING MACHINES FOR MAXIMUM REVENUE
In the amusement and skilled gaming industries, location isn’t just a factor—it’s the key to success. Whether operating traditional arcade games in family entertainment centers or skill-based machines in gaming establishments, strategic placement directly impacts revenue. Understanding foot traffic, audience behavior, and venue type is crucial to maximizing profits. Let’s explore the best locations for arcade and skilled gaming machines and the factors that influence their success.
HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS: THE HEARTBEAT OF GAMING REVENUE
For both traditional arcade games and skilled gaming machines, high-foot-traffic locations are the most lucrative. The more people who pass by a machine, the higher the likelihood of engagement. Here are some prime locations:
Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) – These venues naturally attract customers looking for interactive fun, making them ideal for traditional arcade machines, ticket redemption games, and prize-based attractions.
Gas Stations – Skill-based gaming machines thrive in convenience-focused locations where customers make quick stops, providing an opportunity for spontaneous play.
Shopping Malls – Arcades positioned near food courts, movie theaters, or anchor stores benefit from continuous foot traffic and spontaneous play.
Airports and Transit Hubs – Waiting travelers often seek entertainment, making airports, bus stations, and train terminals great locations for arcade games or skill-based kiosks.
Bars and Restaurants – A growing trend in amusement gaming is the integration of skill-based machines in bars and casual dining venues, where customers are likely to engage while socializing.
Bowling Alleys & Sports Complexes – These entertainment venues encourage longer stays, increasing the potential for repeat play on both arcade and skilled gaming machines.
OPTIMIZING PLACEMENT WITHIN A VENUE
Once the right venue is secured, placement within that space is equally important. Here are some strategies:
Near Entrances and Exits – Machines placed in visible locations near doorways attract immediate attention from incoming customers.
Close to Complementary Attractions – Positioning arcade machines near concession stands, ticket counters, or other entertainment activities can encourage casual play.
Pathways with Heavy Foot Traffic – Placing machines along major walking routes increases exposure and engagement.
Secluded Areas for Serious Players – While impulse-driven arcade machines benefit from high visibility, skill-based gaming often thrives in semi-private areas where players can focus without distraction.
UNDERSTANDING PLAYER BEHAVIOR
Successful placement also depends on knowing the audience. Younger demographics may be drawn to interactive redemption games in arcades, while older players might prefer skill-based machines in bars or gas station locations. Conducting a venue-specific demographic analysis helps align machine types with customer preferences.
TESTING AND ADAPTING PLACEMENT STRATEGIES
Even after securing an ideal location, ongoing optimization is necessary. Operators should analyze machine performance, monitor revenue trends, and experiment with placements to determine which areas yield the best results. Features such as digital tracking, cashless payment systems, and heat-mapping technologies can provide valuable insights into player engagement patterns.
CONCLUSION
Strategic placement of arcade and skilled gaming machines can significantly impact profitability. Whether integrating arcade games into high-energy entertainment centers or positioning skilled gaming machines in targeted venues, the right location ensures maximum visibility, engagement, and revenue. Operators who continually assess and optimize placement strategies will position themselves for long-term success in the amusement and gaming industries.