How do entertainment bars fund games, simulators and build-outs?

What kinds of entertainment bars fit here?

Any venue where an activity brings guests in and the bar keeps them there. That includes arcade bars, golf simulator lounges, bowling centers with a bar, billiards halls, axe-throwing venues, karaoke bars with private rooms, and larger games-and-dining concepts. Each has its own equipment, space needs and booking pattern, but all rely on turning playing time into food and beverage sales.

• Barcades: arcade cabinets, pinball, card or token systems. See how barcades fund games and a build-out.
• Golf simulator bars: launch monitors, impact screens, projectors, enclosures, turf.
• Bowling: lane surfaces, pinsetters, scoring and masking units.
• Billiards: tables, table lighting, timing systems.
• Axe throwing: lane construction, safety cages, targets.
• Karaoke: private-room soundproofing, systems, screens.

How are attractions and games financed?

Attractions with a clear vendor quote, such as simulators, arcade cabinets, pinsetters, pool tables and karaoke systems, are usually financed as equipment, often including installation. Built elements like lane construction, soundproofed rooms or simulator enclosures framed into the building usually fit a term loan. Software, game licenses and song subscriptions are operating costs to budget separately.

Used and classic equipment is common in this industry, especially arcade cabinets, pinball machines and pool tables. Many funders will finance refurbished equipment from established sellers, though terms may be shorter. See equipment financing for how terms work.

What build-out issues drive the budget?

Electrical capacity, ceiling height, floor space and noise usually drive the budget more than the attractions themselves. A row of arcade cabinets or several simulator bays can exceed a building's electrical service. Simulator bays need height and depth, bowling needs long clear spans, and karaoke rooms need sound isolation. An electrician's and contractor's early review prevents surprises after equipment is ordered.

Insurance and licensing can also shape the concept. Serving alcohol at an axe-throwing venue, for example, raises questions to confirm with your insurer and state alcohol beverage control agency before you build. Fund the construction side with a term loan once scope is clear.

How do bookings and bar sales show up in a funding review?

Funders look at total deposits, and entertainment bars typically show a mix of bookings, play revenue, parties, leagues and food and beverage. Group events and leagues can create steady, predictable income that funders find easy to understand. Requirements vary by product and funder; many look at time in business, monthly revenue and credit. Explaining your revenue mix, and when league seasons run, makes the review smoother.

If most bookings are paid in advance through an online system, show how those payments settle into your bank account. Corporate events and birthday parties often cluster around the holidays, while leagues run on fixed seasons, so a full year of statements gives the clearest picture.

When should an entertainment bar expand, and when should it wait?

Expand when attractions are regularly fully booked at peak times and guests are being turned away, not simply because a new game is available. Wait if current bays or lanes sit empty on weeknights, if electrical or lease limits would make the project much bigger than planned, or if the added payment would not fit a slow summer.

Phasing works well here: add two simulator bays or a few lanes, measure bookings, then add more. Refreshing the game lineup can also bring regulars back without a full expansion. A line of credit can cover slower months between busy event seasons.

Updated September 14, 2026 · OpenTab Capital Funding Team