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Sally Cohen

Why Adding Skee-Ball to Your Game Room Makes Sense

Why Adding Skee-Ball to Your Game Room Makes Sense 579 315 GAD Vending

Are you looking to add a classic and popular game to your arcade game room? Look no further than Skee-Ball!

Skee-Ball has been a staple of amusement arcades and family entertainment centers for over 100 years. Generations of players have enjoyed the game’s simple yet addictive gameplay. It involves rolling balls up a ramp and into various point targets to score as many points as possible. It’s a game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master, keeping players returning for more.

Adding Skee-Ball to your arcade game room can provide several benefits. Firstly, it appeals to players of all ages, making it a great way to attract families and groups to your venue. Secondly, it’s easy to maintain, with simple mechanics and durable construction. Lastly, it has a small footprint, meaning it doesn’t take up much space in your game room.

Skee-Ball machines are also available in various sizes and styles, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your space and aesthetic. From classic wooden alley designs to modern LED-lit machines, there’s a Skee-Ball machine for everyone.

In addition to its traditional gameplay, Skee-Ball machines can be upgraded with ticket dispensers and redemption counters, allowing players to earn tickets and redeem them for prizes. This can add extra excitement to the game and increase revenue for your business.

A Brief History of Skee-Ball

Skee-Ball is a classic American game that generations have enjoyed. Originally invented in 1908 by J.D. Estes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the game quickly became popular across the United States and worldwide.

The first Skee-Ball machines were made of wood and operated with a simple gravity-fed ball return system. Players would roll balls up a ramp and try to land them in various point-value holes, like modern-day mini golf. The game was an instant success, with players of all ages and skill levels eager to test their luck and try to win big prizes.

In the 1920s, Skee-Ball transformed significantly by introducing electronic scoring and automatic ball return systems. These innovations made the game more convenient and exciting for players while making it easier for operators to run and maintain their machines.

Throughout the 20th century, Skee-Ball remained a staple of American arcades and amusement parks, continually introducing new designs and features. In the 1980s, the game experienced a resurgence in popularity as players rediscovered the simple, nostalgic fun of rolling balls up a ramp and trying to hit the high-scoring targets.

Today, Skee-Ball continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world. From classic wooden models to high-tech digital versions, the game has evolved to suit the needs and preferences of modern players. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, Skee-Ball is the perfect game for anyone looking for a fun, challenging, and timeless arcade experience.

So, if you want to add a classic and popular game to your arcade game room, consider Skee-Ball. Its simple yet appealing gameplay, appeal to all ages, easy maintenance, and small footprint make it an excellent choice for any business owner.

Current Skee-Ball Games:

Skee-Ball Classic

Skee-Ball is THE original alley game. And it’s recently gone through a serious upgrade! Complete with valuable product design updates and a new look that reflects the vintage, hand-crafted style of the early 1900s, the new Skee-Ball is the real deal. Anything else is just a substitute.

Skee-Ball Glow

Patented in 1908, Skee-Ball is THE original alley game – anything else is just a substitute! Now complete with valuable product design updates and a new look that reflects the vintage, glamorous style of that time period, the new Skee-Ball machine is sure to attract attention in any game room.

Skee-Ball 1908 Alley

Meet the beautifully crafted 1908 alley, designed specifically for the home market. Engineered with the original Skee-Ball alley in mind, 1908 pays homage to the launch of the first alley roller, patented in 1908. It’s both an enthusiast’s and a collector’s dream.

If you are looking to add Skee Ball to your commercial establishment or break room, give us a call.

Golden Tee PGA & LIVE Courses Home Edition Courses Release Tomorrow

Golden Tee PGA & LIVE Courses Home Edition Courses Release Tomorrow 444 358 GAD Vending

Golden Tee PGA Courses

Golden Tee update season is upon us, with PGA TOUR & LIVE getting the 2023-2024 treatment starting with the Commercial release of Golden Tee PGA TOUR 2023-2024 on Monday, July 31, 2023!

Golden Tee PGA TOUR 2023-2024 Commercial Release Date: July 31st, 2023

Golden Tee LIVE 2023-2024 Commercial Release Date: September 5th, 2023

Golden Tee PGA TOUR& LIVE 2023-2024 Home Release Date: September 18th, 2023

We’ve revealed the entire lineup of 10 Courses coming to Golden Tee PGA TOUR 2023-2024 in the upcoming calendar of content, including the 5 Jim Zielinski designed GT Originals bound for Golden Tee LIVE, and we wanted to bring them all together for an update course roster round-up!

Check out the fresh set of courses coming to Golden Tee below, and we’ll see you at the tee box soon, friends!

5 BRAND NEW Golden Tee Original Jim Z. Courses (PGA TOUR & LIVE 2023-2024)

Manhattan View
Jersey City, New Jersey

In the heart of Liberty State Park, a 1,200-acre piece of land tucked on the Hudson River, is a golf course with a backdrop unlike any other. On a piece of land where New Jersey ends and New York begins is Manhattan View—a creation with a name that says it all. The Statue of Liberty will serve as your guide; coupled with an array of illuminated skyscrapers. It’s always afterhours, making Manhattan View GT’s latest nightcap creation. The course itself is championship quality, equipped with all the necessary hazards to test your game.

South Pacific
Ambrym, Vanuatu

Lost in the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by sunsets and tumbling waves, exists one of the most spectacular golf courses ever created. The island of Ambrym, while stunning, requires a disclaimer: it is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. As such, lava flows freely between palm trees, immaculate fairways, and greens. In a moment’s notice, a golf ball’s life can end with one wayward shot. Despite this constant threat of inferno, its beauty is undeniable. South Pacific is a place where vacation and expedition collide—on a piece of land most would struggle to find on a globe.

Missouri Hills
Ozark Mountains, Missouri

High in the vistas of the Ozark Mountains is Missouri Hills, a spin on one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Despite the influx of people that flood to the Ozarks every year, Missouri Hills is peaceful and serene. Fall has arrived, and the leaves that paint the fairway are both vibrant and soothing all at once. Despite the calmness, the layout is anything but dormant. Significant elevation swings make for a slew of thought-provoking moments, and tall pine trees will make club selection a critical component of your round. Welcome to the Ozarks.

Bonnie Moor Black
Gullane, Scotland

One of the most popular destinations in the history of Golden Tee has been gifted a sister course—a Scottish gem blessed with all the charming characteristics that brought the original Bonnie Moor to life. Bonnie Moor Black is a classic links-style golf course in every sense. The punishing, beautiful fescue guard fairways and greens, and trademark pot bunkers return with a vengeance. Fans of the original will marvel at this new creation, and those greeting Bonnie Moor for the first time will fall in love with the views, obstacles, and another legendary closing hole.

Scablands
Sprague, Washington

More than two million years ago, a glacial lake broke free of a larger mass, sending an enormous wave sweeping across eastern Washington. The floods it brought would reshape the land, making the Scablands a melting pot of geographical offerings. The land is rugged, without question. Potholes, canyons, boulders and dirt are prominently featured throughout the round. Still, somehow, there’s plenty of green to be found. This a golf course that isn’t quite sure what it wants to be, and we mean that in the best possible way. A course truly millions of years in the making.

2 BRAND NEW PGA TOUR Courses (PGA TOUR 2023-2024)

TPC Southwind
Memphis, Tennessee

 

One of the most popular golf destinations in the United States, TPC Southwind is a staple of the PGA TOUR calendar and home to the St. Jude Classic since 1989. The par-3s on the course are undoubtedly its trademark, including Hole 11 and its island green, and Hole 14 which stretches out to over 230 yards. A boast-worthy score is yours for the taking with solid iron play…if you’re up to the challenge.

TPC Summerlin
Las Vegas, Nevada

Hop on the 613 westbound from the Vegas strip. About 10 miles down the road, you’ll find TPC Summerlin, one of the finest golf destinations west of the Mississippi. This private Nevada course is now open for play in Golden Tee. With a par-5 that can approach 600 yards, and a slew of par-4s that can be reached with just the right amount of oomph, TPC Summerlin is a PGA TOUR stop that demands both power and excellence. Deliver both, and you’ll have a chance to celebrate an all-time moment in a city that knows how to do it.

3 REMASTERED Classic Golden Tee Courses (PGA TOUR 2023-2024)

Red Sands
St. George, Utah

 

Nestled on the Utah border, 120 miles north of Sin City, exists a place absent of casinos, bright lights and most civilization entirely. This is the desert, plain and simple. It’s rugged, dry and full of cacti. As the name would suggest, Red Sands carries a certain color tint most desert courses in Golden Tee have never seen. Only this game has seen this course before, back in 1997, when Red Sands first made its debut. Twenty five years later, this spectacle has been completely modernized. Few things, outside a good Scotch, age as gracefully as this course has. Players new and old are welcomed.

Cumberland
Asheville, North Carolina

In the Eastern part of North Carolina exists a course that has been played by millions of Golden Tee players over the past 18 years. Now, however, the lush green hills of Cumberland, a GT LIVE original, have been recreated. Its winding layout and elevation shifts make for some fascinating shots, while the bodies of water and sand traps are perfectly placed. The strategy for most of these holes are plenty defined. Hitting the shots required is another task entirely, and those willing to risk it all on a single shot will have no shortage of chances to prove their excellence.

Kangaroo Trail
Alice Springs, Australia

Smackdab in the center of Australia, like a bullseye on the dartboard, Alice Springs houses one of Golden Tee LIVE’s original destinations. Only now, nearly two decades later, Kangaroo Trail has been rebuilt and reborn. The popular Aussie course will look plenty familiar for fans of the game who have played in the past. The dried rivers, the well-positioned canyon walls and the trademark closing hole are just a part of what defines a course that requires no real introduction. With some tweaks and modifications, however, Kangaroo Trail will challenge players new and old in ways it never has.

GAD Knows Golden Tee PGA

We have the current versions of both the commercial and home Golden Tee PGA consoles available, in stock. Call us for a price quote, delivery information and to answer any questions on the upgrades coming soon.

Why You Should Add Vending to Your Family Entertainment Center

Why You Should Add Vending to Your Family Entertainment Center 988 675 GAD Vending

WE’VE REIMAGINGED CONVIENENCE SO YOU CAN IMAGE SUCCESS

Adding arcade games to a bowling alley or skating rink has been profitable must for several years. But flying under the radar is vending, especially in our current economic and social environment. Family Entertainment Centers of any type can increase profits and improve customer experience without a massive investment through unattended drink and snack vending machines.

Vending machines provide convenient snacks and beverages that customers can easily purchase; there’s no need to staff an entire kitchen or even keep your snack bar open the entire time the your business is open. Vending machines can replace staff time during slow times and provide quick drinks or snacks during busy times.

Here are some ways vending machines can serve you, your customers, and even employees.

Improve Customer Satisfaction During Labor Shortages

Labor shortages mean longer wait times for often irate customers and keep them from playing more games. While this doesn’t solve labor problems, vending machines can give customers snack and drink options without adding staff. In addition, as you and your team attend to other, immediate customer needs, a vending machine quietly offers customer support 24/7.

Extra Revenue Without Overhead

According to industry reports, the average vending machine earns $75 weekly. However, well-stocked machines in high-traffic areas can make over $500 monthly. So, no matter where your vending machine falls on that range, that’s extra profits.

You can devote that money to employee appreciation, office supplies, prizes, or anything else to improve your day-to-day operations. Vending machines are sources of extra income that don’t require training or time off and are always on time.

Inventory Control

Vending machines can come with automated apps to help you with stocking, money acceptance issues and sales reports. This helps you keep your machine stocked. You know what products are selling so you can keep ahead of demand. Buy products in bulk, save money, and easily track expenses with quick runs to Costco, BJ’s, or even Amazon deliveries.

Diverse Options

Modern vending machines can be configured to deliver many different options. Whether you are looking to split a machine up with candy, drinks and food options. Or be a healthy alternative vending machines.

Why not sell branded socks at your skating rink? How about driving gloves at your go kart rink?

Provide delicious hot drinks in the winter or in a cold skating rink. Invest in a coffee vending machine with hot chocolate, fresh ground coffee, and espresso drinks options.

Don’t forget the parents that are hanging around for their kids. Make sure the quick items they’re tempted to run out for are fully stocked. Like charging cables, headphones and pain relief. Stock up with convenience store items like feminine products and office products.

Your imagination is the limit to what you can sell in a vending machine. All unattended.

Consider Investing in Two Vending Machines to Start

Most vending machine buyers start by getting one for beverages and one for snacks. While many machines offer enough space for both, specialty vending machines can be paired together for maximum dispensing and earning potential.

Soft Drink Vending Machines

Drink machines have evolved over the years to offer all sorts of beverages. New technologies also provide suggestive selling, digital advertising, and touchless purchasing. Offer water, energy drinks, coffee beverages, soda, and more.

Snack Vending Machines

Snacks are great for grab-and-go locations, whether sugary treats, chips, or healthy options; snack machines are a moneymaker that allows you and your staff to focus on other parts of the customer experience.

With all the types of payment options out there, keep in mind that machines can accept: Cash, Credit Cards, NFC capable of tap and go, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. In addition, some vending units allow custom skins for either branding or additional signage. For example, do you want to clarify that the beverage machine carries water? Why not let us customize it with a Water sign across the top? Want to extend your brand presence throughout a facility? We can put your logo on the units with any messaging you need.

Trust GAD for Your Vending Machine Needs

If a vending machine sounds perfect for your business, GAD offers a wide range of vending machines, vending machine parts, and technical services. As a family-owned business with sales offices nationwide, we’re here to meet all your vending needs.

Our staff comes to the table with over 100 years of industry experience and will work with you to ensure you have the right product for your location and optimized for profits.

5 Tips for Selecting the Right Vending Management System

5 Tips for Selecting the Right Vending Management System 1800 1200 GAD Vending

Succeeding with Vending Management System

While most vending operators are well aware of the importance of a good vending management system (VMS), when it comes to continued investment in new technology, making the right choices can be tricky. With an ever-expanding field of providers and experts, operators face a lot of decisions. We break down the best way for operators to shop when they’re looking to add new features and functionality to their VMS.

1.    Pick an Open Platform Solution

When it comes to making a new investment, the last thing you’ll want to have to worry about is migrating data. Look for solutions that provide an open platform with multiple integration options data sharing between your VMS and other business systems.

2.   Pick a solution that is intuitive

New technology means time spent onboarding employees both new and seasoned. When it comes to investing in add-ons to their VMS, operators should focus on platforms that are intuitive and user-friendly to maximize employee use and minimize training needs.

3.    Pick a solution that allows employees to use their own devices

An investment in new technology seems expensive, especially when hardware is considered, but with a focus on mobile technology, these expenses can be negated. Operators should seek solutions that are mobile-friendly (across both Apple and Android operating systems) and ideally allow associates to access software tools right from their own mobile devices or tablets. Additionally, technologies that are compatible with cloud-based systems that allow for the dissolution of location-based servers.

4.    Prioritize real-time data

Data means actionable insights, but only if you have it when you need it. Prioritize live data that can be shared between drivers in the field and supervisors in the office to increase efficiency in every route visit.

5.    Pick a solution that allows phased upgrades

For operators with large workforces, the idea of having to update everyone’s devices can be daunting. Operators should look for platforms that allow for phased upgrades, enabling them to update as they replace old devices. This means you can follow an upgrade path that is modular and can be executed in phase.

The Takeaway

As you continue to update and invest in your Vending Management System, ask us how you can implement smart, economical solutions that maximize efficiency in your operation.

 

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! 2048 1313 GAD Vending

GAD offices are closed for Labor Weekend, 9/2-9/4, so our employees can enjoy more pinball with their families.

What PINBALL Is On Your Play List for Labor Day Weekend?

What PINBALL Is On Your Play List for Labor Day Weekend? 2045 2048 GAD Vending

NEW PINBALL FOR LABOR DAY INCLUDES A FREE SHAKER MOTOR

GAD has warehouses in Omaha, Kansas City and Des Moines with pinball games ready for pick up for the weekend.

Choose from titles like 007, Foo Fighters, Iron Maiden and Guns ‘n Roses to name a few. Not all games are in every location, so call first to arrange your curbside pick up.

GAD is an authorized dealer for Stern, American Pinball, Jersey Jack and Chicago Gaming. And if you want to create the ultimate game room for the weekend, we also stock digital darts, Classic-cade and Golden Tee PGA.

Check out our August inventory. Call us for current available games.

Pricing for pinball includes the game, money acceptors (commercial use) and applicable sales tax.

Choose how you’d like to get your game:

  1. Free pick up
  2. Free delivery in certain markets
  3. $350 curbside delivery in continental US

Shake It UP

Shake It UP 940 788 GAD Vending

Time is running out on getting a new pinball for fall – with a free shaker motor!

GAD has only a few shaker motors left to add to an incredible selection of pinball games. All our games are from the best in industry. Plus GAD has a full parts and service department to keep your game going.

Pinball is an easy purchase.

  1. Pick up at one of our 3 Midwest warehouses. Omaha, Kansas City or Des Moines.
  2. Free installation and set up within a geographic area of our offices (call us for details).
  3. Shipping is just $350 anywhere in the continental US. GAD offers phone support during your set up in case you have any questions.

If you are looking for a complete game room, GAD has lots of other games in stock to choose from. Digital darts, Golden Tee PGA Home Edition, and commercial quality pool, foosball and air hockey.

GAD sells to both commercial game rooms, offices and homes.

GAD Knows Games

Free Shaker Motor – with New Pinball

Free Shaker Motor – with New Pinball 940 788 GAD Vending

GAD has 100’s of pinball games in stock and on the way. With three warehouses in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City – GAD has one of our best selections of pinball ever.

GAD is an authorized dealer for Stern, American Pinball, Jersey Jack and Chicago Gaming.

Check out our August inventory. Call us for current available games.

GAD prices each game based on the game, edition and sales taxes. Commercial customers will get a money acceptor quote. Residential customers can opt for free play or pay for a money acceptor.

Various of our pinball games are internet ready. GAD can help you with the interconnect and answer questions on how the scoring, competitive play and how updates work.

Delivery options:

  1. Free curbside pick up
  2. Free delivery and installation in certain areas.
  3. $350 continental US (curbside).

GAD offers phone support to all our customers during installation and beyond. GAD stocks parts and our service personnel can assist with code update questions.

 

GAD Knows Pinball

GAD Knows Pinball 2048 1365 GAD Vending

GAD has a solid reputation of stocking a large variety of pinball games, darts, Golden Tee and commercial quality arcade games. With multiple warehouses across the Midwest, we have commercial and residential customers coming for all over for pick-up. GAD will deliver and set up within the geographic areas around Omaha and Des Moines. For our customers outside driving distance, we offer a $350 flat rate shipping fee that arrives curbside. If you prefer inside delivery, GAD can assist you in making recommendations.

Today, GAD has one of our best selections of pinball games we’ve ever assembled.

From Stern, titles include James Bond, Iron Maiden, TMNT, Star Wars Home Editions, Godzilla and the new Foo Fighters. Inbound, we have Avengers and Venom on order (available for pre-sale). These games are available in a variety of game configurations. Call us for current stock of Pro, Premium and Anniversary editions.

From Jersey Jack, we have both Guns ‘n Roses and Toy Story LE. Plus we have Cactus Canyon SE and Pulp Fiction SE from Chicago Gaming. American Pinball offerings include Houdini and Oktoberfest.

If your game room is looking for a complete makeover, we’d be remiss not to mention that we stock Golden Tee PGA commercial and home versions, Arachnid digital darts and a variety of commercial arcade games.

Call us to find out firm pricing that includes the game, delivery and tax. We sell to both home and commercial business’.

Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Celebration

Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Celebration 535 422 GAD Vending
In honor of the 30th Anniversary of Jurassic Park, Stern Pinball has announced several exciting updates for fans of the 1993 Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment film including new content enhancements across all machines and new products.
One of Stern’s most popular releases to-date, the Jurassic Park Pinball Machine generates heart pounding excitement as the player progresses through the game encountering the wilds of Isla Nublar.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the team at Stern has created a software update available for all existing versions of the game. The update offers new ways to play; including Co-Op Play, Team Play, and a 30th Anniversary Insider Connected Quest. The update also brings additional polish and refinement throughout the game experience. Co-Op Play gives players the unique ability to collaborate in order to escape Isla Nublar and reach the ultimate wizard mode, “When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth!” Team Play allows players to challenge each other in any combination of 1 to 4 players. The new 30th Anniversary Quest will be available to users as part of Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system. The Quest will challenge players to collect Dinosaur DNA strands throughout the game to create amazing dinosaurs and earn badges. Registration for Insider Connected is available for free at insider.sternpinball.com.
While chasing and battling dinosaurs, you will want to look the part in an entire new line of Jurassic Park Pinball-themed merchandise including new t-shirts, sweatpants, and hats. Fans can also upgrade their machines with a line of Jurassic Park Pinball accessories (topper, shooter knob, side armor, and inside art blades) available while supplies last. (https://shop.sternpinball.com/…/jurassic-park-accessories)
And for the ultimate Jurassic Park fan, we are pleased to announce a special 30th Anniversary Edition version of Jurassic Park Pinball Machine, featuring a brand-new exterior art package, full-color mirrored back glass, “Illusion Copper” powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity. This release will be limited to 500 units globally, serving as a special collectors’ item for dedicated fans of the franchise and pinball aficionados alike.
“Jurassic Park is one of the most popular pinball games we’ve released, and for good reason!” said Seth Davis, President and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “It’s an honor for us to champion such a beloved franchise with a new content update all fans can enjoy. There’s never been a better time to own or play Jurassic Park Pinball.”
GAD has Jurassic Park Premium in stock and available for immediate pick up, delivery or shipping. Games ordered before 9/5/2023 include a free shaker motor.
GAD can assist any of our customers with the software update for their GAD Jurassic Park Pinball games.
GAD is working at having the 30th Anniversary Edition game available. Call us for details. 
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”) *:
*MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.
30th Anniversary Edition: $US 12,999

About the JURASSIC WORLD Franchise

From Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, Jurassic World immerses audiences of all ages in a new era of wonder and thrills where dinosaurs and humankind must learn to coexist. Jurassic World is more than a film franchise. At every turn, this $6 billion film series delivers a larger-than-life destination for exploration, discovery, and epic adventure. Dinosaurs live again and they live in Jurassic World.

About Stern Pinball, Inc.

Stern Pinball, Inc. creates compelling entertainment that inspires a lifetime love of games, sparks passion, forges friendships, and connects people everywhere through fun, innovative, technologically advanced pinball games, and experiences.  Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.

Recent Stern Pinball titles include Venom, Foo Fighters, James Bond 007, Rush, Godzilla, The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.