How do I find an arcade business for sale in Canada?

Arcades are a small corner of the market, so few are listed at any one time. That means a search takes patience and more than one channel. Many arcades also sit inside something larger, like a bowling centre, a family fun centre or a cinema lobby, and they change hands as part of it. Start by deciding whether you want a stand-alone arcade or are open to a wider venue.

Listing sites and brokers

Business-for-sale listing sites let you search by industry and region, and a saved search will tell you when something new appears. Brokers who work in leisure and entertainment may also hold sales that never reach a public site. Tell a broker what size and kind of venue you want, and what financing you have arranged. See how to choose a business broker before you engage one.

Approaching owners directly

Some owners would sell for the right buyer but have never listed. A short, polite letter or a visit during a quiet hour can start a conversation. Be clear about who you are and what you are looking for, and expect many owners to say no. The ones who say yes may be tired of the late nights, or have a lease coming up for renewal. Keep the first talks confidential.

A business sale or a machine sale

A listing that says “arcade for sale” may mean the whole business, with its lease, name, customers and staff. It may also mean only the machines, sold to be moved elsewhere. Ask what is included: the games, the redemption counter and prizes, the card or token system, the lease, the phone number and the social media accounts. Ask whether the games are owned or leased, and whether any revenue is shared with the machines’ suppliers.

Once you have a target

See the checks in what to check before buying an arcade business. Ask for the records early, and have a lawyer and an accountant look at them before you commit to anything.