Small family amusement arcade

Families, children and teenagers, holidaymakers and day visitors, and groups of friends looking for something cheap to do.

Coins, tokens or game cards put into the machines. You either own the machines or share the takings with a machine supplier. Extra income can come from party bookings, snacks and drinks.

• Basic electrical and machine fault-finding
• Handling cash and keeping simple accounts
• Friendly, patient customer service
• Managing staff rotas and keeping a safe space for children

• Gambling rules: check with your council and the Gambling Commission which permit or licence applies to the machines you want
• Planning permission or change of use for the premises, check with your council
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance, plus business rates and fire safety checks
• Electrical testing of machines and keeping children safe, including any staff checks you may need
• Takings can be uneven, with quieter winter months and weather-dependent seaside trade
• A music licence may be needed if you play music in the unit

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £120,000, depending on the unit, the number and age of machines, and fit-out. These are estimates, so get quotes for premises, machines and insurance before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, machine mix and season. Takings can be uneven, with quieter winter months and weather-dependent seaside trade.

Check with your council and the Gambling Commission which permit or licence applies to the machines you want. Also check planning permission or change of use, insurance, business rates, fire safety, electrical testing and any staff checks.