Arcade Machine Sales, Leasing and Repair
Refurbish and sell or lease arcade and game machines to venues, and offer repair and servicing contracts.
- C$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You run a small workshop or unit where you source, restore, sell and lease amusement machines. You also service machines that venues already own, or that you have placed with them.
Your first three steps
- Find a small unit or garage with a loading door and check zoning and the cost of power
- Buy a few machines that need work, restore them and photograph them for online listings and local venues
- Offer repair and servicing to venues in your area to build relationships that lead to sales and leases
Who pays
Pubs, arcades, bowling alleys, family entertainment centres, rec rooms and some home buyers who want a machine for a games room.
How it makes money
Machine sales at a markup, monthly lease fees, paid repair call-outs and ongoing service contracts for venues.
Skills that help
- Electronics and mechanical repair
- Sourcing and pricing used equipment
- Dealing with business customers and invoicing
Watch out for
- Check your provincial gaming regulator's rules, as gambling-style machines may need a registration or be off limits
- Municipal business licence and zoning for your unit. Check with your municipality
- Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for stock and for your workshop
- Electrical safety certification of machines you sell or lease. Check your provincial requirements
- Licensing of game software and branded games in multi-game cabinets
- Lease contracts should state who pays for repairs and what happens if a machine is damaged
- Heavy lifting, plus the cost and space needed to hold stock
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start an arcade machine sales and leasing business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your workshop space, tools, and how much machine stock you buy. The amount of stock you hold is likely the biggest factor in where you land in that range.
How much revenue can arcade machine sales, leasing and repair make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many machines you sell or lease and how much servicing work you win. Your mix of sales, leasing and repair contracts will shape the result.
What licences and rules should I check before selling or leasing arcade machines?
Check your provincial gaming regulator's rules, as gambling-style machines may need registration or be off limits. Also check your municipal business licence and zoning, electrical safety certification for machines you sell or lease, and game software licensing.
Other ways to run this business
Similar business services ideas
Envelope supplier with local stock and delivery
Hold popular envelope sizes in a small unit and give local printers and offices fast, reliable delivery.
- C$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Licensed customs broker and consultancy
Become a licensed customs broker to advise and also clear shipments for importers and exporters.
- C$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Luggage lockers for tourist spots
Run larger locker banks near stations, attractions, beaches or ski hills where visitors need short-term storage.
- C$10k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local retail leasing brokerage
Run a small office that handles retail leases for landlords and tenants in your town or neighbourhood.
- C$15k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Blueprint and plan printing shop
Print and copy large-format drawings and plans for builders, architects and engineers in your area.
- C$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Freelance court and discovery reporter
Take word-for-word records at examinations, hearings and meetings for law firms, then deliver the transcripts.
- C$15k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about