How to Choose Arcade Machines for Your Venue

Choosing the right arcade machines for your venue is key to maximising revenue, increasing customer engagement and ensuring long-term success.

Not all machines perform equally — the best results come from selecting games that match your audience, space and customer behaviour.

Understand Your Audience

The first step in choosing the right arcade machines is understanding who your customers are.

Different audiences respond to different types of games:

Families and children – prize machines, simple games, interactive experiences
Groups and young adults – competitive games, reaction games, sports games
Casual visitors – easy-to-play, quick games
Mixed audiences – a combination of machine types

Matching machines to your audience is one of the biggest factors in performance.

Consider Your Venue Type

Different venues require different machine setups.

For example:

Bars and pubs – punch machines, basketball games, competitive games
Hotels and holiday parks – family-friendly games and prize machines
Bowling alleys – a mix of competitive and multiplayer games
Leisure centres – accessible, easy-to-use games

Choosing machines that fit your environment will maximise usage.

Focus on High-Performing Machines

Some arcade machines consistently perform better than others.

High-performing machines are typically:

Easy to understand
Quick to play
Competitive or social
Visually engaging

Popular options include:

Punch / boxer machines
Prize crane machines
Basketball arcade games
Driving and racing games
Reaction games

These machines encourage repeat play and generate consistent revenue.

Maximise Dwell Time Opportunities

Arcade machines perform best in venues where customers spend time.

Look for areas where customers:

Wait between activities
Socialise in groups
Spend extended periods on-site

Placing machines in high-traffic, high-dwell areas increases usage and revenue.

Use Space Effectively

You don’t need a large area to install arcade machines.

Even small spaces can be transformed into revenue-generating zones by placing:

Single feature machines
Small clusters of games
Compact entertainment areas

Efficient use of space is key to maximising returns.

Choose the Right Mix of Machines

The best-performing setups usually include a mix of:

Competitive games
Prize-based machines
Quick-play arcade games

This ensures appeal across different customer types and keeps engagement high.

Consider Maintenance & Management

Managing arcade machines yourself can be time-consuming.

A fully managed solution ensures:

Professional installation
Ongoing maintenance and servicing
Technical support
Machine optimisation

This allows you to benefit from arcade revenue without added workload.

Revenue Share vs Buying Machines

When choosing arcade machines, it’s also important to consider how you want to operate them.

Many venues prefer:

Revenue share models (no upfront cost, low risk)
Fully managed solutions
Ongoing support and upgrades

This makes it easier to scale and adapt your setup over time.

Get Expert Advice

Choosing the right arcade machines is not just about the games — it’s about selecting the right combination for your venue, audience and goals.

Working with an experienced provider ensures:

The right machine selection
Optimised placement
Strong revenue performance

Choose the Right Arcade Machines for Your Venue

Selecting the right arcade machines can significantly increase revenue, improve customer experience and make your venue more engaging.

With the right setup, arcade machines become a reliable and profitable addition to your business.

Install Arcade Machines in Your Venue

Looking for help choosing the best arcade machines for your venue?

Contact Arcade Machine Rental today to discuss your space. We provide fully managed arcade machine installations designed to maximise performance and revenue.