Payment Systems for Arcade & Amusement Machines

The use of coins in arcade and amusement machines is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Today’s users expect to pay just like they do anywhere else — with a card, phone, or smartwatch. And operators need to reduce incidents, gain control over revenue, and increase the profitability of their machines.

This is why contactless payment systems are becoming the most efficient option to modernize arcade, amusement, and entertainment machines. They allow players to start games without cash and give operators a more professional and profitable way to manage their business.

In this article, we explain how these systems work, the real advantages they offer, and why solutions like Frekuent are helping entertainment operators transform their operations.

What Is a Cashless Payment System for Arcade Machines?

A cashless payment system is a device that allows an amusement or arcade machine to accept payments via credit/debit card, mobile phone (Apple Pay / Google Pay), QR code, or contactless, replacing the traditional coin mechanism.

When the user completes the payment, the terminal sends an electrical pulse to the machine, just like inserting a coin. The game starts instantly.

Frekuent payment solutions are compatible with:

• Classic amusement machines
• Retro and modern arcade machines
• Foosball tables and billiards
• Electronic darts
• Boxing or punch machines
• Other entertainment machines based on impulse activation

Installation is simple, requires no construction work, and allows even older machines to be fully digitalized in just minutes.

Why Are Contactless Payment Systems Growing So Fast?

The industry has faced three major challenges for years:

• Dependence on cash: users no longer carry coins.
• Coin jams: mechanical failures that interrupt gameplay.
• Lack of control: operators don’t know how much each machine earns in real time.

Digital payments eliminate all three issues at once, offering a more modern experience and a far more efficient operational model.

Benefits of Installing a Digital Payment System on Arcade and Amusement Machines

More Plays and Higher Revenue

Users today want to pay quickly and without complications. When they can’t find coins, they simply don’t play. With contactless payment, you get:

• More spontaneous plays
• Higher usage frequency
• Increased revenue per machine

This results in a significant boost in gameplay, especially in high-traffic locations such as arcades, bars, and entertainment venues.

Zero Jams, Zero Theft, and Lower Maintenance

Coin mechanisms are responsible for most machine issues:

• Coin jams
• Tampering
• Hitting or shaking the machine
• Theft of cash inside the machine

With a cashless system like Frekuent, these problems disappear because no cash is stored inside the machine. This reduces maintenance costs and increases total operating time.

Full Real-Time Revenue Control — 24/7

One of the greatest advantages of Frekuent’s payment systems is full real-time management of all your arcade machines, anytime and from anywhere.

With Frekuent, you can check your business data through the Frekuent Space dashboard:

• Revenue per machine and location
• Number of plays
• Peak usage hours
• Alerts or incidents

This information helps you adjust prices, identify underperforming machines, and make better decisions based on real data — essential for operators managing multiple machines or locations.

A Modern Experience That Improves User Satisfaction

Cashless systems significantly improve the player experience:

• Instant payments
• No need for cash
• No interruptions due to mechanical failures
• A more professional and modern appearance

A better experience always leads to more repeat use.

Frekuent — The Digital Payment Solution for Arcade and Amusement Machines

Frekuent offers a cashless payment system built to maximize the performance of your machines:

• Payments via card, mobile, and smartwatch
• Compatible with all types of machines
• Real-time revenue dashboard
• Fast installation with no construction work
• Zero mechanical incidents
• Professional technical support
• Centralized management for multiple locations

A reliable, scalable solution designed for the needs of the entertainment sector.

Conclusion — Digitalizing Arcade Machines Is a Profitable Decision

Contactless payments are the natural evolution of the amusement industry. They help operators increase revenue, improve user experience, and gain full operational control without relying on cash.

If you manage arcade or amusement machines, installing a payment system like Frekuent will help you generate more plays, reduce incidents and maintenance, access real performance data, and modernize your business quickly. A simple upgrade with immediate impact on profitability.

Want to Digitalize Your Arcade or Amusement Machines?

Write to us and we’ll advise you with no obligation. We can help you choose the best solution for your business and install the payment system that fits your needs. 👉 Contact Frekuent today.