Amusement Machine Route
Claw machines and arcade games — someone has to own them
Amusement machine operators place coin-operated games — claw machines, redemption games, pinball, photo booths, cranes — in bars, restaurants, laundromats, bowling alleys, and family venues. The operator owns the equipment, splits revenue with the location (typically 50/50), and services machines on a regular route. Zero rent. Zero payroll at most locations. Just machines printing quarters.
Avg Revenue
$350K
Profit Margin
38%
Acquisition Multiple
2x - 3x
Startup Cost
$30K - $150K
Difficulty
2/5
How It Works
You place machines in high-traffic locations under a revenue-share agreement — usually 50/50. The location provides floor space and electricity; you own, service, and restock the machines. Operators run weekly or biweekly routes to collect cash, restock prizes, and perform light maintenance. Cashless card readers are now standard and increase revenue 20-40%.
Revenue Range
Real Acquisitions in This Category
SBA 7(a) change-of-ownership loans · NAICS 713120 · Amusement Arcades
Deal Size Distribution
Deal Flow Over Time
Financing Profile
Recent Comparable Deals
| Closed | State | Loan | Implied deal | Jobs | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | MA | $125K | $147K | 4 | — |
| Sep 2025 | DE | $3.1M | $3.7M | 2 | Urban Air Adventure Park |
| Mar 2025 | PA | $5.0M | $5.9M | 60 | Urban Air Adventure Park |
| Feb 2025 | CA | $795K | $935K | 4 | — |
| Dec 2024 | MO | $1.3M | $1.6M | 4 | — |
| Nov 2024 | UT | $499K | $587K | 8 | — |
| Nov 2024 | WA | $150K | $177K | 16 | — |
| Jun 2024 | TX | $1.4M | $1.6M | 22 | — |
| Feb 2024 | NJ | $1.3M | $1.6M | 65 | Launch Trampoline Park |
| Jan 2024 | CO | $178K | $209K | 6 | Play Street Museum |
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA dataset, filtered to acquisitions (loans where business age is "Change of Ownership"). Implied deal size assumes an 85% loan-to-purchase ratio, a common SBA change-of-ownership structure. Charge-off rate shown only when 10+ loans have resolved (paid in full or charged off). Interest rates reflect last 24 months only. Actual deal values vary with equity injections, seller financing, and working capital terms.
Pros
- +No rent, no employees at most locations
- +50/50 revenue share means locations are aligned incentives
- +Highly scalable — more machines = more income, same overhead
- +Route-based business is acquirable with stable cash flows
- +Cashless upgrades have reinvigorated the industry
Cons
- -Machines require upfront capital ($3K–$15K each, new)
- -Revenue is location-dependent — losing a great spot hurts
- -Regular servicing routes require time or a part-time employee
- -Prize redemption games have inventory costs
Best For
Route-minded operators who want a scalable, semi-passive income machine
Operating Costs
Main costs: location commissions (50% gross), prize inventory for redemption games, fuel, machine maintenance and repairs, and occasional equipment upgrades. No payroll until scale.
SBA Financing Estimator
Adjust the deal — see if it cash flows after debt service
Estimates only. Excludes owner compensation, capex, working capital draws, and taxes. Margin assumes average occupancy and volume. Actual SBA terms vary by lender and borrower profile.
Where to Buy
Search amusement route businesses for sale across the US
Equipment supplier and industry resource for amusement operators
American Amusement Machine Association — industry news, events, and operator resources
Acquisition Score
Scores margin (30), entry multiple (25), SBA market depth (20), category risk (15), and deal momentum (10). Higher = better acquisition candidate.
Quick Facts
- Category
- route
- Difficulty
- 2/5
- Buy price
- $700K–$1.1M
Buyer's Toolkit
Essential tools to get started
Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend tools we'd use ourselves.
Ready to Buy? Start Here →
Largest business-for-sale marketplace in the US
SBA loans and business acquisition financing — get funded fast
ROBS financing — use retirement funds to buy a business tax-free
Bookkeeping for small business owners — hands-off financials
Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend tools we'd use ourselves.
Get the full breakdown in your inbox
Weekly boring business breakdowns
Get notified when high-margin businesses hit the market