Starting an arcade or Family Entertainment Center (FEC) is a rewarding venture—offering strong cash flow, repeat visitors, and multi-generational appeal. But before plugging in your first arcade machine, there’s a roadmap every operator must follow, especially when dealing with local laws, business permits, and equipment sourcing.
This guide breaks down the step-by-step process, key licenses and regulations, and setup tips to help you launch a compliant and profitable arcade business in 2025.
🎯 Step 1: Define Your Business Model
Before choosing machines or décor, decide on your arcade type:
- 🎮 Classic Arcade (retro arcade game machines, coin-op)
- 👨👩👧👦 FEC with attractions for all ages
- 🍺 Barcade (Arcade + Alcohol = Trendy nightspot)
- 🏬 Mall Kiosk Arcade (Compact claw machine setups)
- 🧸 Kids Zone Arcade with soft play or ticket redemption
BLEE Game offers full sets of arcade cabinets, claw machines, VR machines and custom themes for all business types.
📝 Step 2: Business Registration & Legal Structure
📌 You’ll need to:
- Choose a business name
- Register an LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship
- Apply for an EIN (U.S. only)
- Open a business bank account
In most countries (U.S., UAE, Singapore, etc.), FECs are considered entertainment businesses, requiring proper registration and tax IDs.
📜 Step 3: Key Permits & Licenses You Need
🧾 1. General Business License
Issued by your local city or municipality.
🎲 2. Amusement Device License
Required in many regions for each arcade machine or arcade claw crane. States like California, Florida, and Texas may have different regulations.
💼 3. Sales Tax Permit
Needed if you’re selling tokens, tickets, or prizes.
🎤 4. Music/Media Licenses
If your FEC plays music or uses multimedia content (e.g., BMI, ASCAP in the U.S.).
🚨 5. Zoning Approval & Fire Safety Permit
Ensure the building is zoned for commercial entertainment and passes fire safety inspections.
💡 Check local laws carefully—some cities may limit prize values or claw machine payouts (e.g., claw machine laws by state in the U.S.).
🛠️ Step 4: Design, Layout & Equipment Sourcing
Layout Must-Haves:
- Traffic Flow Zones
- Redemption Counter
- Machine Arrangement (group by age or genre)
- Comfort & Safety Spaces
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Arcade claw crane machines
- Retro arcade game machines
- VR or simulator games
- Prize redemption & token systems
- POS and cashless payment systems
BLEE Game offers one-stop sourcing and layout consultation for global FEC operators.
🧑🤝🧑 Step 5: Hiring, Operations & Training
- Hire friendly staff for prize counters and machine maintenance
- Train on gameplay assistance, payment handling, and customer care
- Schedule cleaning and safety checks
💸 Step 6: Marketing & Launch Strategy
- Use social media (TikTok arcade trends, Instagram stories)
- Offer opening day specials (free tokens, giveaways)
- Collaborate with schools, families, or influencers
- Implement membership cards or loyalty programs
✅ Final Checklist
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Business Registered | ☐ |
| Licenses Secured | ☐ |
| Location Leased | ☐ |
| Machines Purchased | ☐ |
| Staff Hired | ☐ |
| FEC Layout Finalized | ☐ |
| Opening Event Scheduled | ☐ |
🚀 Why Partner with BLEE Game?
As a leading Chinese arcade machine supplier, BLEE game helps global arcade and FEC startups with:
- High-quality arcade machines, claw machines, VR machines ,racing simulator, redemption systems and so on.
- Free customized layouts and machine themes design
- Global shipping & documentation support
- Expert advice on machine selection, regulations, and ROI
Whether you’re starting from zero or upgrading your existing space, BLEE Game can support every stage of your arcade business journey. Contact Bleegame for your arcade game center planning.
