Dreaming of opening your own arcade? Whether it's a cozy retro gaming lounge, a claw machine corner in a mall, or a full-on game café, starting a small arcade is exciting—but like any business, it comes with startup costs.
So, how much money do you really need to open a small arcade?
Let’s break it down.
💸 Average Startup Cost for a Small Arcade
You can start a small arcade with as little as $10,000, or go up to $50,000+, depending on size, machines, and location.
Here’s a quick range:
| Arcade Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Home-based mini arcade | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Small public arcade (5–10 machines) | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Premium location w/ new machines | $30,000 – $75,000+ |
🛠️ Cost Breakdown
1. Arcade Machines
-
Used machines: $500 – $2,000 each
-
New machines: $2,000 – $5,000+
-
Multigame cabinets (Raspberry Pi, Pandora’s Box): $300 – $1,200
-
Claw machines or prize games: $800 – $3,000
💡 Pro tip: Start with 5–8 popular machines to keep costs low.
2. Location / Rent
-
Shared retail corner or kiosk: $500 – $2,000/month
-
Small retail space (500–1000 sq ft): $1,500 – $5,000/month (location-dependent)
-
Home-based or mobile arcade: No rent!
3. Renovation & Setup
-
Flooring, lighting, signage, and décor: $1,000 – $5,000
-
Electrical setup & outlets for machines: $500 – $2,000
4. Licensing & Permits
-
Business license: $100 – $1,000 (depends on your state/country)
-
Amusement device permits or coin-op licenses (some areas): $100 – $500 per machine
5. Marketing & Branding
-
Website, logo, social media setup: $200 – $2,000
-
Launch ads & local promotion: $300 – $2,000
6. Other Essentials
-
POS system or coin/token machines: $200 – $1,500
-
Insurance: $500 – $2,000 annually
-
Seating, tables, vending or snack area: Optional but valuable for added revenue
✅ Ways to Save Money
-
Start small and scale up based on profits
-
Buy used machines or multigame cabinets
-
Run the business yourself initially (no staffing costs)
-
Partner with a café, bookstore, or bar to share space
-
Explore mobile arcade setups for events and parties
🔁 Profit Potential
A well-run small arcade can bring in:
-
$2,000 – $10,000+ per month in revenue (depending on size, games, and traffic)
-
Even more if you include claw machines, vending, snack sales, or event rentals
Final Thoughts
Starting a small arcade is totally doable—even on a budget. With the right mix of location, game selection, and community engagement, you can create a fun space that’s profitable, nostalgic, and exciting for all ages.
🎮 Need Machines to Start Your Arcade?
Check out YouweiTrade’s Arcade Machine Collection — from retro multigame cabinets to compact claw machines, all with free shipping.