Pinball machines for bars and cafes
Own a small fleet of machines and rent them to bars, cafes and clubs for a monthly fee or revenue share.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
You own pinball and arcade machines and place them in local venues. You deliver, install, keep them working and swap machines to keep players interested.
Your first three steps
- Visit venues in your area that already have games or space and ask what they would pay for a machine on rent or revenue share
- Buy one or two reliable, popular machines and write a simple rental agreement covering fees, repairs and damage
- Place your first machine on a trial period, track earnings and use the results to pitch to other venues
Who pays
Bars, pubs, cafes, bowling and social clubs, and sometimes private hirers for events or offices.
How it makes money
A monthly rental fee per machine, or a share of the money the machine takes, plus fees for delivery and event hire.
Skills that help
- Approaching and negotiating with venue owners
- Basic machine maintenance
- Reliable follow-up and scheduling
- Keeping simple records
Watch out for
- Check your state or territory rules on amusement machines and gaming, especially for any machine that pays prizes or cash
- Check venue liquor licence conditions with the venue owner
- Public liability insurance and cover for machines against theft and damage
- Test and tag requirements for electrical equipment placed in venues
- Machines can be damaged or earn less than expected, so be clear in agreements about who pays for what
- Check whether you need to register for GST as your turnover grows
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: pinball machines for bars and cafes
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a pinball machine rental business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many machines you buy and what types. Your own figure will depend on the size of fleet you start with.
How much can you earn placing pinball machines in venues?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your fleet and venue deals. Machines can be damaged or earn less than expected, so be clear in agreements about who pays for what.
What rules should I check before placing pinball machines in bars?
Check your state or territory rules on amusement machines and gaming, especially any machine paying prizes or cash. Also check venue liquor licence conditions, public liability and machine cover, test and tag requirements, and whether you need to register for GST.
Other ways to run this business
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Buy tired pinball and arcade machines, restore them in your garage and sell to home owners and collectors.
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- From home
Mobile pinball and arcade repair
Visit venues and homes to service, repair and set up pinball and arcade machines for owners.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
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