Remember digging through your pockets for quarters? Or waiting in line to exchange bills for tokens? For decades, that has been the arcade experience. But today’s players expect something faster, easier, and more like the rest of their digital lives.
That’s why commercial arcade operators are shifting to card readers that eliminate friction at the point of play. The result? Happier guests and more profitable operations.
Tap-to-play is the new normal
Consumers are now used to tapping their cards or phones to pay for everything. Why should arcade games be any different? Modern arcade card reader systems support everything from magstripe cards and EMV chips to contactless payments and mobile wallets. That means no lines, no lost tokens, and no downtime. Players just tap and play.
And because it’s so easy, they play more often and spend more per session. According to Cantaloupe’s 2025 Micropayment Trends Report, card readers on amusement machines deliver significantly higher revenue than cash-only setups. In fact, average cashless ticket sizes at gaming machines are over $6 — 600% higher than traditional coin play.
Why operators are going cashless
If you run an arcade, amusement park, or family entertainment center, cashless systems aren’t just a nice upgrade — they’re a strategic move. Here’s why:
- Higher average ticket sizes. Players spend more when they’re not limited by the cash in their pocket.
- Faster transactions. Keep lines moving and reduce downtime between plays.
- Fewer maintenance headaches. No jammed coin mechs or empty token dispensers.
- Less cash handling. Simplify operations, reduce risk, and cut down on labor time.
- Smarter business decisions. Get real-time data on gameplay, revenue, and trends from a single dashboard.
Cashless arcade systems also make it easier to run loyalty programs, offer promotions, or track player behavior — tools that help you drive repeat business without adding complexity.
Easy to implement, easy to scale
Worried about the upgrade process? Don’t be. Today’s card readers are plug-and-play with most commercial arcade machines. And with programs like Cantaloupe One, you can get the necessary hardware with no upfront costs. Test cashless with a few machines and scale as you start to see the results.
From nostalgia to now — a smarter way to play
Yes, tokens and coins are nostalgic. But nostalgia doesn’t pay the bills. Today’s players expect a seamless payment experience, and your business depends on maximizing every play. Going cashless is the easiest way to deliver both.
Cantaloupe makes it simple to upgrade your games with arcade card readers built for today’s commercial amusement needs. From flexible payment acceptance to real-time reporting, our solutions help you run a smarter, more efficient arcade — without losing the fun.
Ready to make the Switch?
Bring your arcade into the future. Explore Cantaloupe’s cashless solutions for amusement and entertainment venues today.
Fast Facts
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Players spend more with card readers — over $6 per session, a 600% jump from coin play.
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Cashless systems reduce jams, downtime, and the hassle of handling coins.
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Operators get real-time data and tools to boost loyalty and repeat visits.
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Most card readers are plug-and-play, with $0 upfront cost through Cantaloupe One.
Implementing cashless payment options in gaming machines boosts revenue by enabling higher spending per transaction, enhancing customer satisfaction, and providing a seamless gaming experience. Real-time sales tracking and integrations also optimize operations.
Adopting cashless payment systems in the amusement and gaming industry offers several advantages. Cashless transactions, averaging $6.13 per transaction compared to $0.81 for cash, can significantly boost revenue. The initial investment in card readers, which includes hardware, software, training, and marketing, is quickly offset by a short payback period.
Installing card readers on gaming machines boosts revenue and customer satisfaction by allowing cashless payments, offering business insights, and cutting operational costs. This results in higher spending, smooth transactions, and better operations for operators.