The Big Buck World Championship, part of BuckFest 2025, will be held at Marathon Music Works at 1402 Clinton St. in Nashville next month Oct. 10-11. Click here to learn more. For fans, there’s free all-ages admission. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. “Whether you’re here to compete, vibe to the music, play free arcade games or just soak in the energy – this two-day festival has it all,” organizers wrote. The Big Buck World Championship XVIII features more than $125,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. There will also be an Amateur…
Author: Matt Harding
Sega Amusements will show off their next-generation prize merchandiser Mini Cube Prize World at IAAPA Expo Europe, coming up in Barcelona, Spain, from Sept. 23-25. “Unlike other similar models on the market, we’ve invested serious R&D to ensure Mini Cube Prize World is a sure hit,” said Sales Director Justin Burke. “Our exclusive version features upgraded artwork, software, clear and concise English instructions, comprehensive international safety certifications and easy-to-follow installation guides. “We’ve also developed detailed operator manuals tailored specifically for our international markets, giving operators everything they need for smooth setup, confident operation and long-term success.” The company will be…
Hero Zone VR has expanded its offerings with its recent purchase of SPREE Interactive, the free-roam system with kid-focused games. The majority of SPREE locations are at trampoline parks, including a significant deployment at Urban Air. The acquisition takes Hero Zone’s network to more than 500 venues globally. “This acquisition allows us to serve every demographic in a way no other LBVR provider can,” said Aziza Jarnija, a co-founder and sales director for Hero Zone. “From young children to seasoned gamers, we now offer something for everyone, further cementing our position as the industry leader.” For operators, the addition means…
This year’s Pinball Expo, the 41st iteration of the event, will be held Oct. 15-18 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Chicagoland. Hosted by the founder Rob Berk, the expo is sure to delight pinball enthusiasts and operators alike. Among the speakers leading seminars will be Gary Stern, Joe Kaminkow, Jack Guarnieri, Bob Burnham and J.J. Babich. There will also be tournaments for all types of machines and players, as well as movie nights, homebrew pinball exhibits and much more. Visit www.pinballexpo.com to see a full agenda and registration information.
For years, goods worth $800 or less have been allowed to enter the United States tariff-duty free under what’s called the “de minimis” exemption. Now, CNN reports that many countries including Australia, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand have suspended some U.S.-bound shipments until further notice because the Trump Administration is eliminating the exemption as of today, Aug. 29. U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimates that more than 1.36 billion de minimis shipments entered the country last fiscal year with more than 4 million processed each day.
Betson Enterprises has expanded its national footprint with a new office in La Vista, Nebraska, “to meet the growing demand for skill games in the state.” “Nebraska is a fantastic new market for us,” said Todd Cravens, president of Betson Gaming. “We’re eager to partner with local operators and businesses to introduce the state-of-the-art KASCADA dual screen, multi-game cabinets from Light & Wonder. This expansion isn’t just about growth for Betson – it’s about providing new entertainment options and revenue opportunities for local businesses.” The company added: “Having successfully established a strong presence in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Georgia, Betson is…
A new golf entertainment venue called Tap In will open Sept. 4 in the Lower South End neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina, Axios reported. The owner is Miller Safrit, a longtime creative producer at ESPN, who said the facility will cater to everyone – not only golf enthusiasts. “What we want to introduce here is the opportunity for entertainment, an opportunity for maybe someone new to golf and personalization for our visitors,” he said. The 10,000-sq.-ft. facility will have a social putting green at the center of the space that’ll be surrounded by 10 swing bays. Eight of the golf…
BPAA’s Bowling University will have their School of Entertainment Center Management from Oct. 5-10 in Arlington, Texas. Click here to reserve your spot for the weeklong event focused on improving the profitability of your FEC or traditional bowling center. The host hotel is the Hyatt Place Dallas/Arlington, located in the Arlington Entertainment District. Bowling University includes a site visit and loads of detailed educational panels and presentations. Learn all about sales and marketing, food and beverage, attractions, operations and acquiring talent. To learn more, email [email protected] or call 817-385-8431.
McWally’s, a new family entertainment center in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, opened on Aug. 22, reported its consultant, Trifecta Management Group. The 42,000-sq.-ft. center has 14 traditional bowling lanes, six VIP bowling lanes, a 60-game arcade, a ValoArena from Valo Motion, a 5,000-sq.-ft. laser tag arena, an indoor-outdoor patio and bar, and private party rooms. During their first full month in operation, the company will be donating a portion of Sunday sales to local nonprofits and school organizations, including the Fuquay-Varina High School Athletic Booster Club, the United States Veterans Corps, the Caroline Ball Family Fund and the Willow Spring Storm…
Picker’s Retro Games and Gear opened earlier this summer in Benton, Arkansas, reports The Saline Courier. The free-play arcade offers pinball machines, arcade cabinets and console gaming. Guests simply pay a $15 fee for unlimited play. There’s also a game store that sells video games and pop culture items. “Benton hasn’t really had an entertainment presence since the bowling alley left,” explained owner Brandon Wiltse. “We do have Urban Air, which is great for mostly young children, but there really has not been anything for teenagers, millennials and Gen Z and older people to do in Saline County for a…