For years, FEC operators worried about rent, payroll, redemption costs, and game prices. But in 2025, one of the biggest hits to profitability isn’t coming from your vendors or your labor line… it’s coming from something most operators overlook: Credit-card processing fees, Tap-to-pay surcharges, Mobile wallet interchange changes, and Massive increases in small-ticket swipe volumes. This might be the single most overlooked expense on an FEC’s P&L today and most operators don’

Labor Shortages & Wage Inflation: The Operational Reality FECs Can’t Ignore in 2025 If there’s one issue every FEC operator is feeling, from arcades to trampoline parks to bowling entertainment centers, it’s labor. The combination of higher wages, tighter hiring pools, and higher expectations from guests has created one of the most difficult staffing environments the industry has ever seen. Why Labor Is So Hard Right Now 1. Minimum wage increases in many states - Many regions

Insurance Premium Spikes: The Unexpected Cost Surge Hitting FECs in 2025 While FEC operators are busy managing labor, pricing, credit-card fees, and game uptime, another major cost has quietly surged: commercial insurance premiums. Across the U.S., operators are seeing 18%–35% increases on renewal and in some cases even higher. This is one of the most painful cost jumps because it’s mandatory, non-negotiable, and heavily impacted by broader trends outside an operator’s contro

Betson.com Ghostbusters Wheel (Leasing Special) Betson Enterprises SuperBlaster 2‑Seats (Leasing Special) Betson Enterprises Godzilla Deluxe (Walk-Away / FS Special) Betson Enterprises Jackpot Racer (Walk-Away / FS Special) Betson Enterprises Betson’s Financial Specials: Unlock the Games You Want, on Terms That Work For operators, timing is everything, both on the floor and in the books. That’s why Betson has rolled out a wide range of Financial Specials, making it easier tha

Semnox   For immediate release: Semnox Solutions, a global leader in technology solutions for the entertainment and leisure industry, has announced a strategic partnership with The Pelican Group, a premier national operator of amusement and vending services, to implement the Semnox Parafait RFID card system across more than 400 Regal theatres throughout the United States. This collaboration marks a major milestone in enhancing the guest experience at Regal locations nationwid

Sacoa Cashless System   Immediate Release: Sacoa Cashless System concluded its outstanding participation at IAAPA Expo 2025, where it unveiled its innovative Powerhouse Partners program. Described by the company as one of the largest and most powerful alliances in the industry, the program offers more than US$80,000 in exclusive discounts and benefits for new and existing clients. The Sacoa booth remained consistently busy throughout the show, attracting clients, operators, a

SURESHOT REDEMPTION   If you’re looking to refresh your redemption counter with an item that actually moves , look no further than SureShot Redemption’s Licensed Backpacks. These things absolutely popped at IAAPA 2025, not just because of their eye-catching designs, but because they hit the sweet spot every FEC operator cares about: high perceived value, strong margins, and nonstop kid appeal. Name-brand recognition. Kids and teens gravitate toward licenses they know. These b

Say hello to UNIS's brand-new game that blends player appeal with proven, dependable UNIS engineering. Whether you're refreshing a few pieces or building out a new space, this piece is built to make an impact from day one. A Modular, Scalable Prize Game Attraction Claw Express™  Tower systems transform traditional arcade gaming into a visually striking, multi-level entertainment platform. Built from the Claw Express™ MINI Series cubes, these modular units stack and connect s

Innovative Concepts in Entertainment A new legend hits the arcade floor as ICE introduces Odin’s Hammer Strike, combining epic Norse styling with player-friendly mechanics and ICE’s trusted build quality. This is one of those games that players gravitate toward instantly, with a satisfying physical action, strong ticket appeal, and a cabinet design that pops in any environment. Strike with all your might! Unleash the power of the gods! In Odin’s Hammer Strike, players grab th

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