How to Choose Arcade Equipment for Restaurants, Hotels, and Retail Stores

Arcade equipment is no longer limited to traditional arcades and amusement centers.

Restaurants, hotels, retail stores, cinemas, bowling venues, shopping centers, and other commercial businesses increasingly use interactive entertainment equipment to improve customer engagement and create additional revenue opportunities.

For these businesses, however, choosing arcade equipment requires a different approach.

A restaurant may have only a small waiting area. A hotel may need equipment that fits naturally into a lobby or family area. A retail store may want a machine that attracts attention without disrupting normal shopping traffic.

The best equipment is therefore not necessarily the largest or most advanced machine.

It should match the venue's available space, customer profile, operating model, appearance, payment preferences, maintenance capabilities, and business objectives.

This guide explains how to choose commercial arcade equipment for restaurants, hotels, and retail stores.

1. Start With the Business Objective

Before choosing a machine, determine why you want to install arcade equipment.

Possible objectives include:

Generate additional revenue
Improve customer engagement
Keep children entertained
Improve waiting-time experiences
Attract attention to a store
Increase customer dwell time
Support a brand promotion
Create an entertainment zone
Add a new service to an existing business

The objective affects the type of equipment you should consider.

For example, a restaurant may primarily want to entertain children while parents wait for a table.

A retail store may want a visually attractive claw machine that also creates an additional revenue stream.

A hotel may want a small entertainment area for families.

Start with the business objective before choosing the equipment.

2. Understand the Venue's Customer Profile

Customer demographics are one of the most important selection factors.

Consider:

Age
Families
Children
Teenagers
Adults
Tourists
Local customers
Shopping customers
Restaurant guests
Hotel guests

A claw machine filled with plush toys may appeal strongly to families and children.

A competitive sports game may be more suitable for teenagers and young adults.

A capsule machine may work well when customers prefer small collectible products.

The equipment should match the people who actually use the venue.

3. Choose Equipment That Fits the Customer Journey

Think about where customers go before, during, and after their normal activity.

Restaurant

Typical customer journey:

Entrance → Waiting → Dining → Exit

A machine may work best near the waiting area rather than inside the dining area.

Hotel

Typical journey:

Lobby → Check-in → Waiting → Guest areas

A compact machine may fit naturally into a family or recreation area.

Retail store

Typical journey:

Entrance → Browsing → Checkout → Exit

A machine can be positioned near high-traffic areas without blocking shoppers.

The best location is usually where customers naturally have time and space to interact with the equipment.

4. Choose the Right Machine Size

Commercial equipment should match the physical characteristics of the venue.

Measure:

Width
Depth
Height
Door access
Ceiling height
Customer clearance
Maintenance access

For restaurants and retail stores, compact machines may be easier to integrate.

For hotels with dedicated recreation areas, larger machines may be practical.

Do not select equipment based only on its appearance in product photos.

Always confirm the actual dimensions before ordering.

5. Consider the Available Floor Space

The equipment needs more space than its physical cabinet footprint.

Customers need room to:

Approach the machine
Stand at the controls
Watch gameplay
Collect prizes
Move away
Walk around other customers

Staff also need access for:

Cleaning
Prize replenishment
Cash collection
Maintenance

A machine that physically fits but creates a crowded customer area may not be the right choice.

6. Restaurants: Focus on Waiting-Time Entertainment

Restaurants can be a useful environment for compact arcade equipment.

Customers may spend several minutes waiting for:

A table
Food
Family members
Payment
Takeaway orders

Children in particular may benefit from an interactive activity during these waiting periods.

Suitable equipment may include:

Compact claw machines
Capsule machines
Small arcade games
Interactive prize machines

The equipment should not interfere with restaurant operations.

Avoid blocking:

Queues
Staff routes
Emergency exits
Tables
Kitchen access
Customer circulation

7. Consider Hygiene in Restaurants

Restaurant environments require additional attention to cleaning.

Arcade equipment may be touched repeatedly by customers, particularly children.

Consider surfaces such as:

Joysticks
Buttons
Control panels
Cabinet handles
Prize doors

Choose equipment that allows staff to clean frequently touched areas easily.

A practical cleaning schedule should be included in daily operations.

8. Hotels: Consider Different Guest Types

Hotel guests may include:

Families
Business travelers
Couples
Tourists
Children
Groups

If the equipment is intended primarily for families, prize machines and compact arcade games may be appropriate.

For larger hotels, a small entertainment zone can combine several categories.

The equipment should fit the hotel's overall atmosphere.

A premium hotel may prefer a clean, professionally branded cabinet rather than equipment with an appearance that conflicts with the interior design.

9. Consider Hotel Operating Hours

Hotels often operate around the clock.

This means equipment may potentially be used for extended periods.

Consider:

Reliability
Noise
Lighting
Maintenance
Payment systems
Customer access

If a machine is located near guest rooms, excessive sound can become a concern.

A suitable location may be a lobby, recreation area, family zone, or other designated entertainment space.

10. Retail Stores: Use Equipment to Attract Attention

Retail environments are highly visual.

A commercial claw machine can attract customers because the prizes are visible and the gameplay is easy to understand.

Consider placing equipment where it is:

Visible from the entrance
Near customer traffic
Near checkout
Near waiting areas
Close to complementary products

However, the machine should not obstruct merchandise displays or shopping paths.

The equipment should support the store rather than compete with the core retail operation.

11. Consider Brand Integration

Retailers and restaurant chains may want arcade equipment to reflect their brand identity.

Customization can include:

Logo
Cabinet colors
Artwork
Lighting
Promotional graphics
Brand messages
Custom interface

For a chain with multiple locations, standardized branding can create a consistent customer experience.

OEM customization can be especially useful for:

Restaurant groups
Retail chains
Hotel groups
Consumer brands
Promotional campaigns

12. Claw Machines Can Support Product Promotion

A claw machine does not have to use generic prizes.

Depending on the project, businesses may consider prizes related to:

Brand merchandise
Promotional products
Licensed products
Small collectibles
Event campaigns
Seasonal items

For example, a retail brand could use branded merchandise as prizes.

A restaurant could use promotional gifts tied to a campaign.

The prize strategy should always consider product rights, sourcing, safety, and applicable local requirements.

13. Choose the Right Payment Method

Payment configuration should match the venue.

Possible options include:

Coins
Tokens
Banknotes
QR payments
Card payments
Cashless systems
Multiple payment methods

A restaurant or hotel may prefer cashless payments if customers rarely carry coins.

A traditional arcade environment may continue using coins or tokens.

The important point is to choose the payment system according to actual customer behavior.

14. Keep the User Experience Simple

Customers who are unfamiliar with arcade equipment should be able to understand the machine quickly.

For non-arcade venues, simple gameplay can be especially valuable.

Consider:

Clear instructions
Visible pricing
Easy controls
Simple payment
Easy prize collection

The customer should not need extensive training before playing.

This is particularly important when the equipment is installed as an add-on feature rather than inside a dedicated arcade.

15. Consider Prize Selection

For claw machines, prize selection can determine customer interest.

Choose prizes according to:

Customer age
Local preferences
Price level
Machine size
Claw type
Prize dimensions
Prize weight
Seasonal demand

Restaurants and hotels may attract many families, making plush toys and small gifts useful options.

Retail stores may have opportunities to use branded or product-related prizes.

The machine should be configured for the type of prizes you intend to use.

16. Avoid Overfilling the Prize Area

A prize machine should look attractive, but excessive filling can make gameplay difficult.

Too many prizes can:

Reduce visibility
Make the cabinet look cluttered
Affect claw movement
Make prize selection difficult
Increase replenishment work

Arrange prizes so that customers can clearly see what is available.

Good presentation can be as important as the actual number of prizes.

17. Consider Noise

Noise is especially important in restaurants and hotels.

A traditional arcade can accommodate a relatively active sound environment.

A hotel lobby or restaurant may require a quieter experience.

Consider:

Speaker volume
Motor noise
Mechanical movement
Customer proximity
Nearby rooms
Neighboring businesses

If the equipment has adjustable sound, configure it appropriately for the venue.

18. Think About Appearance

When arcade equipment is installed in a non-arcade business, appearance becomes particularly important.

The cabinet should fit the surrounding environment.

Consider:

Color
Lighting
Artwork
Cabinet shape
Branding
Overall visual quality

A well-designed machine can become part of the venue's visual environment.

A poorly matched machine may look out of place.

19. Consider Security

Commercial equipment in restaurants, hotels, and retail stores may operate without a dedicated arcade attendant.

Security features can therefore be important.

Consider:

Cabinet locks
Payment security
Access doors
Cash collection
Internal component protection
Placement within staff visibility

A machine should be positioned so staff can reasonably monitor it when necessary.

20. Plan Prize Replenishment

A claw machine needs regular prize management.

Staff may need to:

Refill prizes
Remove damaged prizes
Rearrange the cabinet
Track inventory
Change seasonal products
Clean the prize area

For restaurants and hotels without dedicated arcade staff, these tasks should be assigned to existing employees.

The machine should be easy to service without requiring complex procedures.

21. Consider Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance should be practical for the venue.

Regular tasks may include:

Cleaning
Inspecting controls
Checking the claw
Checking payment components
Testing lights
Checking wiring
Replacing worn parts

For a restaurant, maintenance can potentially be included in an existing daily or weekly cleaning routine.

For a hotel, maintenance can be assigned to engineering or facility staff.

For a retail store, store operations staff may perform basic checks.

22. Think About Staff Training

Employees should understand basic machine operation.

Training may cover:

Turning the machine on and off
Basic gameplay
Prize replenishment
Payment collection
Basic troubleshooting
Cleaning
Contacting technical support

Simple equipment can reduce training requirements.

For multiple locations, standardized equipment can make staff training easier.

23. Consider Electrical Requirements

Before installation, confirm:

Voltage
Frequency
Plug type
Power consumption
Outlet location
Cable routing

This is especially important for businesses operating in different countries.

Hotels and restaurants may already have many electrical loads in the same area.

Confirm that the planned installation is appropriate for the building and local electrical requirements.

24. Plan the Installation Route

The machine must reach its final location.

Check:

Entrance doors
Hallways
Elevators
Stairs
Turning areas
Ceiling height
Final installation position

Large machines can be difficult to move through narrow commercial spaces.

For international orders, confirm packed dimensions as well as finished machine dimensions when necessary.

25. Consider Delivery and Packaging

Commercial arcade equipment should be packaged appropriately for transportation.

For international purchases, buyers should discuss:

Export packaging
Wooden crates or other protection
Shipping method
Port delivery
Door delivery
Packed dimensions
Gross weight

The final logistics plan should be based on the actual machine configuration and destination.

26. Compare Purchase Cost With Operating Cost

The equipment purchase price is only one part of the business calculation.

Consider:

Machine price
Customization
Shipping
Installation
Electricity
Prize cost
Payment fees
Maintenance
Spare parts
Staff labor
Possible downtime

This provides a more realistic view of the investment.

A lower-priced machine is not automatically the better choice if it is difficult to maintain or poorly suited to the venue.

27. Consider Revenue-Sharing Models

Some businesses may operate arcade equipment as a direct revenue source.

Others may work with:

Property owners
Restaurant operators
Hotel management
Retail partners
Shopping-center operators
Entertainment companies

Possible commercial arrangements can include:

Fixed rental
Revenue sharing
Equipment ownership by the venue
Equipment ownership by an operator

The appropriate model depends on the relationship between the equipment owner and the venue.

Before installing equipment, agree on responsibilities for:

Maintenance
Prize costs
Electricity
Cash collection
Repairs
Insurance or liability where applicable

28. Evaluate Customer Dwell Time

One potential benefit of arcade equipment is increased customer dwell time.

A customer waiting for a table may interact with a claw machine.

A family waiting in a hotel lobby may use a capsule machine.

A shopper may stop to play before leaving the store.

The value comes from fitting the equipment naturally into an existing customer journey.

However, operators should measure actual performance rather than assuming that every machine will automatically increase dwell time or revenue.

29. Use Performance Data

Once equipment is installed, track its performance.

Useful metrics include:

Plays per day
Revenue per day
Prize consumption
Prize cost
Payment method usage
Maintenance frequency
Downtime
Customer feedback

For claw machines, also monitor:

Popular prize categories
Prize replenishment frequency
Winning frequency
Customer engagement

This data can help determine whether the equipment should remain in its current position or be moved.

30. Move Underperforming Equipment

A machine that performs poorly in one location may perform better somewhere else.

Possible alternative locations include:

Entrance
Waiting area
Checkout
Family zone
High-traffic corridor

Before replacing the machine, test whether location is the real issue.

Moving equipment can sometimes be less expensive than purchasing an entirely new machine.

31. Consider Seasonal Promotions

Restaurants, hotels, and retailers often run seasonal campaigns.

Arcade equipment can support:

Holiday promotions
School vacations
Summer campaigns
Product launches
Brand events
Local festivals

Changing prizes or cabinet graphics can refresh the machine without replacing the entire unit.

This can be useful for businesses that want flexible promotional equipment.

32. Standardize Equipment Across Locations

For restaurant chains, hotel groups, and retail businesses with multiple branches, standardization can simplify operations.

Using similar machines can reduce:

Staff training time
Spare-parts variety
Maintenance complexity
Purchasing complexity
Branding differences

Standardization does not mean every location must use exactly the same equipment.

A better strategy may be to establish a small number of approved machine models and configurations.

33. Questions to Ask Before Installing Arcade Equipment

Before ordering, ask:

Who is the primary customer?
What is the main business objective?
Where will the machine be located?
How much usable space is available?
What customer clearance is required?
What payment method will customers use?
What prizes will be offered?
Who will replenish prizes?
Who will perform basic maintenance?
What voltage and plug are required?
How will the machine reach the installation area?
How will the equipment be secured?
What warranty is provided?
What spare parts are available?
What technical support is available?

These questions help identify problems before purchasing.

34. Restaurant Arcade Equipment Checklist

For restaurants, consider:

35. Hotel Arcade Equipment Checklist

For hotels, consider:

36. Retail Arcade Equipment Checklist

For retail stores, consider:

37. How Fanhong Supports Commercial Venue Projects

Fanhong supplies commercial claw machines and other arcade equipment for B2B customers and different types of entertainment and commercial venues.

Depending on the project, customers can discuss:

Machine models
Machine dimensions
Player configuration
Prize capacity
Payment systems
Voltage and plug type
Logo and artwork
Cabinet colors
Lighting
Packaging
Shipping
Spare parts
Technical support

For restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and other non-traditional arcade locations, the equipment selection can be based on the venue's available space, target customers, operating model, and visual requirements.

For projects involving multiple locations, standardized equipment and branding can also be considered from the beginning.

Conclusion

Choosing arcade equipment for restaurants, hotels, and retail stores requires a different approach from planning a traditional arcade.

The equipment needs to work within the existing business rather than requiring the business to be redesigned around the machines.

Before purchasing, consider:

Business objectives
Customer profile
Customer journey
Available space
Machine dimensions
Customer clearance
Appearance
Noise
Payment systems
Prize selection
Maintenance
Security
Electrical requirements
Delivery access
Operating costs
Future expansion

For restaurants, compact machines can provide entertainment during waiting periods.

For hotels, arcade equipment can add a family-friendly or recreational feature to selected areas.

For retail stores, visually attractive claw machines and prize machines can help attract attention and create another customer interaction point.

The best solution depends on the specific venue.

Rather than choosing the most expensive or largest machine, businesses should select equipment that fits naturally into their customer experience and can be operated efficiently by their existing team.

With the right machine, location, payment system, prize strategy, and maintenance plan, arcade equipment can become a practical addition to many commercial environments beyond the traditional arcade.