Pinball and arcade machine hire

Bars, pubs, cafes, bowling and leisure venues, plus event organisers and private party hosts.

Monthly rental or a share of takings from venue machines, flat hire fees for events, and paid servicing and call-outs.

• Machine repair and maintenance
• Selling and negotiating with venue owners
• Organising deliveries and set-up
• Reliable customer service

• Pinball and arcade machines that pay out no cash or prizes are generally not treated as gaming machines, but check with the Gambling Commission before you start. Whether gambling rules apply depends on the type of machine.
• If you plan to supply machines that pay out cash or prizes, such as fruit machines or prize cranes, check with the Gambling Commission and the venue's local council which licences or permits you or the venue would need
• Venues may have their own licensing conditions, so check with the local council before placing machines
• Public liability insurance and cover for machines on other people's premises
• Electrical safety and PAT testing of equipment you place or hire out
• You will need a van and a safe way to move heavy machines

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on how many machines you buy and their condition. You will also need a van and a safe way to move heavy machines.

Machines that pay out no cash or prizes are generally not treated as gaming machines, but check with the Gambling Commission first. Also check venue licensing conditions with the local council, plus insurance and electrical safety testing.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many machines you place or hire out and where. Expect to spend at least about 10 hours a week, including servicing.