Bemanistyle [dot] com Forums - View Single Post - I'm going to try starting up an arcade... got some questions for you all

KMasaki · 10-19-2006, 04:16 AM

Also, please keep in mind that in most states, an amusement arcade license is necessary in order to operate an arcade with a certain amount of machines in it (number varies by state; in NY it was 5). And trust me, it's a pain in the ass.

Then you need to make sure that the property is properly zoned commercially and that the board approves a creation of a new arcade in that zone REGARDLESS of what the property previously was.

And then comes the fire marshal. Oh, what FUN he is. Got to make sure that the max occupancy is determined, fire suppressant systems (whatever they may be) are in effect, and that exit signs and max occupancy signs are completely visible at all times.

Once that's done, then you need insurance for all the machines you just bought- but that's required for the arcade license, after all- along with making sure that all the machines pass a test run by one of the goonies at the state board of commerce.

I tried to open an arcade with my friend on the east coast- trust me, it's not anywhere as easy as it seems, no matter what state you're in. In this day and age, you have one of two options:

1) Take a management position at a mom & pop arcade and tweak it to your liking, or

2) Buy an arcade property going out of business but still retaining its license (as arcade licenses are mounted to the property, not to the owners) and fill it to your hearts' content with whatever obscure bemani you wish.

There's a reason why not a lot of places are into the arcade market anymore- too many damn regulations to follow and too much money up front for smaller business parties to gamble with. After all, you still have to make sure that whatever revenue you make still can pay the rent, electric, security, insurance, and the list goes on and on.

Please, make sure to think this through before you go in headfirst into uncharted waters.

I suggest the first thing you do is go onto your state's board of commerce site on the web. It'll give you a good first step and where to go from there if you really want to do this.

Good luck and godspeed.

10-19-2006, 04:16 AM	#4
KMasaki //bemanistyle::[Member] KMasaki is offline Join Date: Jun 2006 KMasaki's Collection Posts: 234 Marketplace Rating: 4	Also, please keep in mind that in most states, an amusement arcade license is necessary in order to operate an arcade with a certain amount of machines in it (number varies by state; in NY it was 5). And trust me, it's a pain in the ass. Then you need to make sure that the property is properly zoned commercially and that the board approves a creation of a new arcade in that zone REGARDLESS of what the property previously was. And then comes the fire marshal. Oh, what FUN he is. Got to make sure that the max occupancy is determined, fire suppressant systems (whatever they may be) are in effect, and that exit signs and max occupancy signs are completely visible at all times. Once that's done, then you need insurance for all the machines you just bought- but that's required for the arcade license, after all- along with making sure that all the machines pass a test run by one of the goonies at the state board of commerce. I tried to open an arcade with my friend on the east coast- trust me, it's not anywhere as easy as it seems, no matter what state you're in. In this day and age, you have one of two options: 1) Take a management position at a mom & pop arcade and tweak it to your liking, or 2) Buy an arcade property going out of business but still retaining its license (as arcade licenses are mounted to the property, not to the owners) and fill it to your hearts' content with whatever obscure bemani you wish. There's a reason why not a lot of places are into the arcade market anymore- too many damn regulations to follow and too much money up front for smaller business parties to gamble with. After all, you still have to make sure that whatever revenue you make still can pay the rent, electric, security, insurance, and the list goes on and on. Please, make sure to think this through before you go in headfirst into uncharted waters. I suggest the first thing you do is go onto your state's board of commerce site on the web. It'll give you a good first step and where to go from there if you really want to do this. Good luck and godspeed.