Start a neighborhood arcade or retro game room

Open a small storefront arcade with classic cabinets, pinball and prize games for families, teens and birthday parties.

Startup cost$40k to $150k

Monthly revenue$8k to $35k

Time needed30+ h/week

First incomeMonths

$40k-150k
Full-time
Own premises
Licence or permit needed

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 storefront with a mix of coin-op or card-swipe games such as classic cabinets, pinball, racing and skill games. Many owners add a party room, snacks, or a simple bar or café area to bring in more spending.

Your first three steps

Visit local arcades and family venues, then sketch a plan with game count, pricing and a target spot such as a strip mall near families or students
Price used and refurbished machines from arcade distributors and operators, and get quotes for a lease and fit-out
Call your city or county about zoning, business license, fire code occupancy and any amusement or game machine permits

Who pays

Families, teens, college students, adults looking for nostalgia and groups booking birthday parties or team outings.

How it makes money

Game play (tokens, quarters or a game card), unlimited play passes or hourly rates, party packages, and snack or drink sales.

Skills that help

Customer service
Basic machine repair or willingness to learn
Budgeting and inventory
Local marketing

Watch out for

Check whether your city, county or state requires an amusement, arcade or coin-operated machine license
Prize and redemption games are regulated differently from state to state, so check the rules on prizes and anything that looks like gambling
Zoning, fire code, occupancy limits and ADA accessibility for the space
General liability and property insurance; workers' compensation once you hire
Machine repairs and downtime, and the risk that popular games change quickly
Music licensing if you play music in the venue, and any rules on minors and school-hour or curfew restrictions
Sales tax registration with your state if it applies to game play or food

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an arcade in the US?

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the space, how many machines you buy and whether you add a party room or snack area.

How much can a small arcade earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, game mix and extras such as parties and snacks. These are revenue figures before rent, repairs and other costs, so profit will be lower.

Do I need a license to open an arcade?

Check whether your city, county or state requires an amusement, arcade or coin-operated machine license, and how prize and redemption games are regulated. Also check zoning, fire code, occupancy limits, ADA accessibility, insurance and sales tax registration.