Mobile arcade hire for parties and events
Rent out arcade cabinets and pinball for parties, weddings, corporate days and community events.
- C$12k-45k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small collection of arcade cabinets, pinball or classic games that you transport, set up and run at private parties, corporate events, fundraisers and fairs. No permanent premises needed.
Your first three steps
- Buy or lease two to four used cabinets or a pinball table (refurbished machines often cost a few thousand dollars each) and test how easily they move and set up
- Set simple hire packages with free-play, then photograph the machines in use for a basic website
- Contact local party planners, event venues and companies, and offer a discounted first booking for reviews
Who pays
Parents planning parties, companies running staff events, wedding couples, schools, community groups and event organizers.
How it makes money
Flat hire fee per event or per half day, with extra for delivery distance, more machines or an attendant. Some operators offer free-play packages so guests do not need coins.
Skills that help
- Basic machine repair and set-up
- Customer service
- Organizing bookings and logistics
- Local marketing
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance that covers hired-out equipment and events
- Check with your municipality whether you need a business licence for a home-based or mobile business
- Gaming and amusement rules vary by province, so check with your provincial gaming regulator before you start, especially if prizes, tickets or payouts are involved, even if machines are set to free-play
- A suitable vehicle or trailer, and safe lifting of heavy machines
- Some venues require proof of insurance and electrical safety, so check with each venue
- Bookings are seasonal and may peak around holidays, summer and wedding season
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: mobile arcade hire for parties and events
Researched with live web search for Canada: 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 mobile arcade hire business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on how many machines you buy and the vehicle or trailer you need to move them safely.
How much can a mobile arcade hire business earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on bookings and pricing. Bookings are seasonal and may peak around holidays, summer and wedding season.
What rules should I check before hiring out arcade machines in Canada?
Gaming and amusement rules vary by province, so check with your provincial gaming regulator, especially if prizes, tickets or payouts are involved. Also check municipal business licensing, commercial general liability insurance for hired-out equipment, and venue requirements.
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