18th September 2023

Why Adding Skee-Ball to Your Game Room Makes Sense

Why Adding Skee-Ball to Your Game Room Makes Sense https://gadvending.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/skee-ball.jpg 579 315 GAD Vending GAD Vending https://gadvending.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/skee-ball.jpg 18th September 2023 25th July 2023

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.

8th August 2023

Commercial Gamerooms

Could Axe Throwing Be Your Missing Link?

Could Axe Throwing Be Your Missing Link? https://gadvending.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Axe-throwing.jpg 851 588 GAD Vending GAD Vending https://gadvending.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Axe-throwing.jpg 8th August 2023 18th July 2023

Could Axe Throwing Be Your Missing Link To Bringing Customers Into Your Establishment?

Axes have been around since prehistoric times and were one of the earliest tools used by man. The first throwing axe came about in the bronze age, about 5,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Axe throwing gained popularity in the Middle Ages around 400-500 AD with German Goth tribes. Their axes were known as Franziska axes and were popular weapons in battle. Today it is a popular hobby, particularly in bars, but expanding to Family Entertainment Centers.

If you are looking for another entertainment option for your location, resurrecting the ancient art of axe throwing could be your ticket to making an epic party environment. But how can you start? Read on to find out all you need to know.

Axe Throwing Safely

You must have some safety rules for your axe-throwing contest to avoid incidents. Make sure to abide by them to ensure everything stays safe.

Have Everyone Sign a Waiver

It would be best to have everyone participating in axe throwing sign a waiver. Ensure the release says you are not liable for death or injury during axe-throwing games.

Having patrons sign a waiver will absolve you of any legal consequences resulting from an axe-throwing incident. It will also make your patrons realize the gravity of axe throwing before participating.

Hire an Axe Coach

It would be best if you had one of your staff members be well-versed in axe-throwing mechanics and theory. If no one on your staff has these capabilities, consider hiring an independent axe-throwing coach.

The primary purpose of this individual will be to instruct newbies on the proper methodology of axe throwing. They should provide a crash course on operating throwing axes, so nobody gets hurt.

Isolate the Axe Throwing Area

While you may want to make sure that your axe throwing is the centerpiece of your bar, ensure that you have an indoor arena isolated from the rest of the bar. Hanging some plexiglass so people can watch is a great idea.

An alternative is to buy an Axe Master machine arcade version of axe throwing so that people can practice their skills. This can be your only axe-throwing option or a preliminary game to see if patrons have what it takes to enter the arena. One of the benefits is that most axe throwing requires customers to be over the age of 12. So, if there is an establishment that has a younger or family demographic, this machine is a good option

Are you looking for an all-in-one system? The Lasertron Axe Throwing System may be the answer. Their Axe Throwing attraction includes target displays, scoring software, and necessary hardware, which can gamify the playing experience while significantly upscaling the overall look and feel. It integrates bar-height booth seating, bar-height tables, barstools, and black powder-coated heavy gauge steel dividers to create a high-end look and feel.

A touchscreen display interface that keeps track of the team and individual player scores. The game scores are projected onto a giant scoreboard above the Axe Target Area. The touch screen and scoreboard show the photo and name of the current player throwing in each lane and the next player up.

Building the Scenes

Try having a special axe-throwing night with deals on specialty drinks like mead. You can encourage costume-wearing or decorate the interior of your location for your special events.

Corporate Events

Once word gets out that your bar has axe-throwing potential, you should consider hosting corporate events. Corporate events can greatly engage the larger axe-throwing community and drive-up business. Axe throwing could be the missing link your location needs to get popping again or make the party grow to greater heights.

14th April 2023

Bored with Game Night? Classic Cade can Solve That!

Bored with Game Night? Classic Cade can Solve That! https://gadvending.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/arcade-i.png 1080 1080 GAD Vending GAD Vending https://gadvending.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/arcade-i.png 14th April 2023 9th March 2023

Before home TV gaming consoles and PCs kept gamers playing in the comfort of their own homes, there used to be long nights by the arcade cabinet located at your local arcade, amusement park, bar or restaurant. Pouring quarter after quarter in, see if you could beat your friend’s high score; it was all exhilarating. Not only was the experience one of a kind, but the games you could play were unlike anything players had seen up to that point. Remember hours playing Pac-Man? Galaga? Millipede? Space Invaders?

Gone are those days of one game, on one console. In the early development of arcade games, the hardware to run one game was the full console. Today, the size of the console or table is about the people comfort – not the need to house lots of hardware.

Want to relive those great games? At home? At your favorite establishment? Classic-cade is the answer to your need for fun, retro arcade games. With over 60 games available in stand up console or sit down table, no gamer should be without.

GAD sells Classic-cade for home free play or we can add payment acceptors for commercial game use. The table version replaces a table – so it pays for its space. The stand up console is a convenient size to not take too much space. Perfect to light up a dark corner!

Classic-cade Game List:

Pacman
Ms Pacman
Jr Pacman
Super Pacman
Pacman Plus
Galaga
Glaga 3
Frogger
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Jr
Donkey Kong 3
Galaxian
Dig Dug
Crush Roller
Mr. Do
Space Invaders
Gyruss
Tank Battalion
1942
Ladybug
Burger Time
Mappy
Centipede *
Millipede *
Super Breakout *
Arkanoid*
Pengo
Phoenix
Time Pilot
Super Cobra
Hustler
Space Panic
New Rally X
Qix
Juno Frist
Xevious
Mr. Do’s Castle
Moon Cresta
Pinball Action
Scamble
Bomb Jack
Shao-Lin’s Road
King and Balloon
1943
1943 Kai
Van-Van Car
Dig Dug 2
Amidar
Zaxxon
Pooyan
Pleiads
Gun Smoke
Jumping Jack
Congo Bongo
The End
and more….

(*) Trackball Game

GAD stocks the Classic-cade for both commercial and residential gamers. In two styles, table or console. With three warehouses in the Midwest, call us to arrange pick up or delivery today!

30th November 2021

A 5-Step Money Making Commercial Arcade Game Ideas (That Anyone Can Follow)

A 5-Step Money Making Commercial Arcade Game Ideas (That Anyone Can Follow) https://gadvending.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pool-scaled.jpeg 1365 2048 GAD Vending GAD Vending https://gadvending.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pool-scaled.jpeg 30th November 2021 30th November 2021

Arcades came in to fashion in the early 1900’s with the creation of the pinball machine. But it took until the 1970’s for video games to storm the scene. Since, there has been steady evolution of arcade games, crane games (claw games), video style games and pinball.

No longer are arcades limited to just their physical premise. With an internet connection, gamers can play their friends anywhere in the world. A player in Omaha can direct challenge their buddy in Kansas City. Join tournaments anywhere in the world. Play a local traveling tournament. And create accounts to follow the player from home to arcade.

With the wide variety of games and the connection to the internet, there is so much more to attract (and retain) customers for longer times.

Step 1 Cleanliness

Brought in with COVID, players want assurance of a clean environment to play. Make sure to clean your machines regularly during the day, have hand sanitizer stations and deep clean before opening. But be cautious with the type of cleaning chemicals you use – some chemicals can damage the graphics. Cleaning product manufacturer suggested guidelines are available through GAD.

Here are additional ideas you can use to ensure cleanliness:

Offer your players additional wipes for their own secondary sanitation.
Spread out your games for social distancing.
Check with your state or local health department for current guidelines.

Step 2 Location, Location, Location

Arcade machines make revenue in two ways. One, players paying to play. And, two, people staying longer to watch play and ordering more food/drinks in your establishment.

Choose high traffic locations that draw players over.
Add a game with lots of LED’s and great sound to a dark corner.
Capture your own “Shots of the Week” or “High Score” and promote across your TV’s through your AMI digital music system.
Choose games that others can watch game play from a safe distance.
Place games toward the back of the room to draw players further into your establishment. Make it convenient for people to stay longer.

Step 3 Consider a Table Games vs Console

When you review the floor plan for your arcade games, consider replacing a regular table with an arcade table. This creates a paying space in an awkward area.

Playing a console table – or not, it’s a table. (And, GAD’s newest Classic-Cade is over 60 games on one table.)
Consider adding a large table game like shuffleboard, or pool to utilize space toward the back of the room or fill an awkward space.
Add a foosball table in a space that you’d lose to social distancing regulations.

Do the math of one normal table vs. revenues from a game table. Patrons in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri tend to be active and like to play!

Step 4 Passive Income vs Active Income

Some business owners consider arcade games as a source of passive income. Or just an expensive way to entertain customers. And, that’s okay. But why not take an active approach to adding revenue and attracting repeat patrons?

Tournaments
- Host a progressive tournament.
- Golden Tee and G3 Galaxy Fire Electronic Darts run international tournaments online.
Leagues
Specials Night
Shot of the Week
Progressive Games
Trivia Games

Step 5 Take It Outside

Most bars and restaurants have maximized their outdoor space for eating and drinking. With social distancing, some had opened up parking lots, neighboring spaces and other creative additional spaces. And, you may be keeping these spaces open. How about adding games to those areas?

Basketball Shot Contest
Table Arcade Games
Foosball
Trivia Games through your AMI Jukebox System
Move your darts outdoors – adding wind could make it that much more challenging

As a business owner, it is essential to maximize floor space, follow health and safety guidelines and keep your patrons happy. Not an easy task but well worth the effort.

Need games in a hurry? ATM machine? Parts to fix existing games? GAD is a stocking distributor of pinball and games. Each of our locations have parts in stock. Our offices are located in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City.

Bar Games