Mobile arcade rental for parties and events
Bring arcade cabinets and pinball to birthday parties, school fairs, weddings and corporate events on a rental basis.
- $5k-30k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,630 US businesses with employees in this field, +7.0% in a year
NAICS 713120 “Amusement arcades”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small collection of arcade cabinets, pinball tables or party-sized game setups that you deliver, set up and take away for events. Most are set to free play so guests can just enjoy them.
Your first three steps
- Buy two to four reliable used cabinets and test them thoroughly, switching them to free play
- Price your rentals by checking what local party and event rental companies charge, then set a simple package list
- Post photos on local Facebook groups, Google Business Profile and event planner listings, and offer a first party at a discount for reviews
Who pays
Parents booking birthday parties, schools and PTAs, companies hosting staff events, wedding couples, and community events and festivals.
How it makes money
A flat rental fee per event or per game, plus delivery and setup charges and extra fees for longer bookings or more machines.
Skills that help
- Customer service
- Basic electrical and machine troubleshooting
- Scheduling and logistics
- Safe lifting and loading
Watch out for
- Check your city or county for a business license, and whether state or local rules cover arcade or coin-operated machines, even in free-play mode
- General liability insurance that covers off-site events and equipment damage; some venues ask for a certificate of insurance
- Vehicle or trailer needs, and the risk of damage when moving heavy cabinets
- Safe power setup and cord management at venues
- Seasonal demand, with busy periods around school breaks and holidays
- Sales tax rules for rentals in your state
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile arcade rental for parties and events
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 rental business?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around $5,000 to $30,000, depending on how many cabinets or pinball tables you buy and what you need to transport them safely.
How much can a mobile arcade rental earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many events you book and how many games you bring. Demand can be seasonal, so income may vary through the year.
What rules should I check before renting out arcade machines?
Check your city or county for a business license, and whether state or local rules cover arcade or coin-operated machines even in free-play mode. Also check event insurance, venue requirements, power setup and sales tax rules for rentals.
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