The Rise of Mobile Payments: How the Decline of Cash Payments are Changing Arcade and Entertainment Venues (And What Smart Operators Are Doing) 

When did you last dig through your pockets for exact change? If you’re like most people, it was weeks ago. Cash, once a staple in every wallet, is rapidly losing ground to mobile payments. Today, it’s second nature for guests to grab their phones and tap to pay – whether they’re paying for coffee, calling an Uber, or tapping their game card to start their favorite arcade game. The amusement industry is seeing a payment revolution. It’s changing how guests play games and how operators run their business.

Cash isn’t just going away—it’s already gone for younger generations. Only 10% of Gen Z uses cash as their primary form of payment, while 85% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials prefer digital payments. Amusement and Entertainment Venues that rely on cash are missing out big time. 

Payment Preferences

The Numbers Show Mobile Payments Have Won 

The facts are clear: 

  • Mobile payments hit $7.39 trillion globally in 2023—a 14% increase from the previous year 
  • 71% of consumers globally now prefer mobile payments over traditional methods 
  • Over 2 billion people used mobile payments in 2023 with continued rapid growth 
  • 65% of U.S. adults used mobile payment at least once in July 2024 alone

But here’s the problem: many venues still rely heavily on cash systems. There’s a huge gap between what guests want and what is offered. People switched from cash to mobile for good reasons: 

  1. It’s Way More Convenient

Guests expect things to be as easy as Amazon. Waiting in line for tokens feels ancient. Mobile payments fix this problem completely. 

  1. It’s Social

Today’s entertainment is about sharing and competing. When guests can move from game to game without stopping for change, they stay engaged and spend more freely. 

  1. Everything Works Together

The best venues offer complete experiences, not just games. Mobile payments work with loyalty programs, social sharing, and special offers. This keeps customers coming back. 

  1. It Feels Safer

78% of consumers believe mobile payment transactions are safer than using cash. This matters especially to families with kids who want clean, secure experiences. 

The Cost Burden for Entertainment Operators 

For owners and operators this transition is more than just a technological upgrade – it’s a financial balancing act. While guests benefit from greater convenience, operators often face expensive investments and hidden costs, which is why finding the right solution is important. 

Smart Payment Solutions Change Everything 

Smart operators found that the right solution does more than cut costs. It changes their whole business. Here’s how systems like Amusement Connect’s MobileMech™ help: 

  • No cash handling: Stop counting, depositing, and worrying about security 
  • Remove spending limits: No more “I only have $10” problems, accept multiple forms of payment 
  • Real-time data: See which games work best and when 
  • Automatic reports: End-of-day numbers sent directly to your email 
  • Cloud-Based Software: Remotely control everything from anywhere 

Real Results from Current Amusement Connect Customers: 

  • 20%+ increase in overall revenue 
  • 40-50% increase in average transaction value 
  • 85%+ guest satisfaction scores for payment experience 

The Future Is Mobile: Get Ready Now! 

The amusement industry is at a turning point. Venues that use good mobile payment systems will win more customers and add an additional revenue source.  

The best operators know this isn’t just about taking mobile payments. It’s about creating seamless experiences that give customers payment flexibility and keep them coming back. 

With mobile payment usage expected to reach 5.2 billion users globally by the end of 2025, and 77% of U.S. consumers preferring mobile payments over traditional card swiping, the writing is on the wall. The question isn’t whether mobile payments will take over. It’s whether your business will lead or follow.

Ready to future-proof your venue and make more money? See how Amusement Connect’s MobileMech™ can add payment options, improve the guest experience, and give you the data you need to optimize your business. 

[Schedule a Free Demo] to see how venues like yours are increasing revenue by 20-40%.  

 

Sources: 

  • PYMNTS.com Digital Payments Study, 2024 
  • Business of Apps Mobile Payments Market Report, 2024 
  • Square Consumer Payment Survey, 2023 
  • CoinLaw.io Contactless Payment Statistics, 2025 
  • Mastercard Consumer Payment Study, 2024 
  • Capital One Shopping Digital Wallet Research, 2025