Getting Your Game On

Gaming systems — from video poker to electronic darts to classic pool — keep tavern patrons coming back.

By Maura Keller

Today’s tavern and bar experience is filled with food, beverages and entertainment options aplenty. And while serving good food and drinks can certainly earn a tavern the solid reputation it’s looking for, the gaming systems that it features — from video poker to electronic darts to classic pool — can help keep patrons coming back for more.

According to Danny Grap, owner of Badger Amusements , the benefits of incorporating gaming elements into tavern and bar establishments are that it is a great way to boost business and keep customers entertained.

“Games can increase foot traffic during slower periods, like incorporating a dart or pool league at your location any time of the year,” Grap says.

“Today’s consumers are also interested in redemption kiosks [which are devices that accept redeemable ticket vouchers issued from electronic gaming equipment] and rapid-fire pull-tab machines. Tavern owners should look for operators with vertical games, redemption kiosks, custom gaming chairs and rapid-fire pull-tab machines.”

An establishment can grow simply by adding the everpopular vertical gaming screens, which easily draw players, into its gaming repertoire. Grap points out that the new machines are increasing play times by 30 to 50%.

The newest technology also includes redemption kiosks, as aforementioned, which are aesthetically pleasing, sleek, modern and fast. Furthermore, they allow a tavern’s personnel to concentrate 100% on their patrons.

“The kiosks take the heavy burden and accountability off of staff for managing the poker and gaming machines. The kiosks are self-service, 100% accurate and extremely easy to use,” according to Grap. “Owners are on the lookout for things that can make their jobs easier and the redemption kiosk offers just that. Above all, always be on the lookout for a change to increase revenue.”

This year, the gaming industry is focused on swapping out older machines for the newest technology, which is sleek and curved. One of the must-have gaming components for taverns are video poker games, a favorite among patrons who are looking for casino-style gaming, but without having to travel to Las Vegas to experience it. Today’s high-tech video poker games boast touchscreens and customizable prizes, such as food or drink tickets, or even branded T-shirts or other branded products.

According to American Entertainment Services , in addition to video poker, darts continues to be an everpopular game among bar patrons. In fact, the expansive system of dart leagues dotting the Wisconsin tavern landscape is quite impressive as electronic darts is growing in popularity, thanks to the various types of play available.

The company’s most popular dart product is the Galaxy 3 Electronic Dartboard from Arachnid. This Internetbased dart game management system provides automated systems for scheduling, conflict resolution, match setup, reporting and more.

In addition to posting league scores on a specific website, all electronic dartboards are now online and players can participate in remote play options.

“Thanks to the built-in camera in the dartboard, players can compete with another person who may be anywhere else in the world and see the other people well,” says Summer Grothmann-Braun at American Entertainment. “It’s kind of like Zoom for dart players.”

American Entertainment can also post custom ads on these electronic dartboards, which can help promote league events and tournaments. These interactive, hightech features help draw more players into the leagues, resulting in more visitors to a tavern’s location. TLW