How do I sell my
Arcades & FECs
business?
Business Advisors of America helps arcade and FEC owners document machine ROI, present cashless system revenue data, and position the business to buyers who understand the entertainment technology model. We structure the deal to give you full credit for both the business earnings and the equipment asset value.
What buyers pay, and why.
How buyers value Arcades & FECs businesses, what they look for, and what gives them pause.
What buyers want
Machine Mix ROI Audit / Cashless System Revenue Data / Enforceable Tech Warranties / Blended Profit Margin Documentation
Why buyers are interested
Primary equipment inventory is a one-time capital cost that generates nearly pure profit after payback. Cashless systems eliminate employee theft and allow for dynamic pricing that maximizes revenue per visit.
Risks and challenges
Technological obsolescence can drop revenue quickly if machine mixes are not refreshed on a regular cycle. Site selection is critical as new competitors actively target high-traffic areas with similar concepts.
Why sell your
Arcades & FECs
business?
Family entertainment centers and arcades with strong local followings are attracting buyers who see the appeal of experience based entertainment. Consumers keep spending on out of home fun, and a well run center with steady foot traffic, party and event revenue, and a loyal customer base offers the kind of diversified income acquirers like. Private equity backed groups and multi unit operators are assembling regional entertainment portfolios, and they compete for locations with proven attendance and clean operations. Keeping a center fresh, though, takes real capital, since games, attractions, and facilities need regular reinvestment to hold their draw. Selling to a buyer eager to fund that refresh lets you exit before the next big equipment cycle rather than financing it yourself. Attendance trends, event bookings, and per visit spend matter most when they are documented and current. If you are ready to step back from a hands on operation, retire, or convert years of building a local destination into value while buyers are active in experiential entertainment, this is a good moment to move.
From our blog
Guides for Arcades & FECs owners
September 26, 2026
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What Buyers Look For in an Event Venue
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frequently asked questions
We’re here to answer your questions.
Here's where we answer the most common questions about
Arcades & FECs
How is my arcade or FEC valued?
Arcades and FECs are valued on a multiple of SDE, typically 2.1x to 3.6x. Centers with professional management, Barcade revenue models, and documented cashless system data command the higher end of that range.
Why is the Barcade model so valuable to buyers?
The Barcade model blends high-margin gaming revenue with high-margin alcohol sales, capturing multiple high-spending demographics simultaneously. This diversification reduces risk and supports a higher earnings multiple.
Should I use SDE or EBITDA to value my business?
Under $1M in annual earnings use SDE. Over $1M with a management team in place use EBITDA, which attracts institutional buyers and private equity groups that pay higher multiples for professionally managed operations.
How long do modern video games hold their earning power?
High-end video games typically have 12 to 18 months of peak earnings before revenue begins to decline. Buyers look for a diversified machine mix with staggered replacement cycles to ensure consistent revenue.
Do I need a high-end security system to sell?
Yes. Modern security infrastructure is required for most insurance policies and is a major value-add for buyers who are concerned about theft and liability in a cash-heavy entertainment environment.
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