Cashless overtakes cash among UK arcade visitors
More than half (52%) of UK arcade and family entertainment centre (FEC) visitors prefer a cashless way to pay and play, according to new research from Nayax (Nasdaq: NYAX; TASE: NYAX), the global commerce enablement, payments and loyalty platform.
The findings, based on more than 2,350 people in the UK who visit arcades and FECs, show that 34% prefer to use a contactless bank card, 15% favour a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, and 3% choose a prepaid game card. Together, these cashless options are preferred by 52% of visitors, compared with 43% who choose cash. The remaining 5% have no preference.
Younger visitors show the strongest preference for cashless payments, with 75% of 25-34-year-olds favouring a contactless bank card, mobile wallet or prepaid game card, compared with 20% who choose cash. Cash remains more popular among those aged 65 and over, at 68%, although more than one quarter (26%) of visitors in this age group now prefer a cashless option.
The research also suggests that making it quicker and easier for visitors to top up and continue playing could affect how much they spend during a visit.
Of those surveyed, 25% said that being able to top up credits instantly using a phone or card would have the greatest effect on their spending, while 19% chose shorter queues at kiosks and redemption areas. A further 16% selected a loyalty or rewards programme and 15% chose personalised offers or discounts.
Instant top-ups were particularly important to younger visitors. Almost half (45%) of 25-34-year-olds and 38% of 35-44-year-olds said this would be most likely to encourage them to spend more.
The findings reflect the convenience that people have come to expect from everyday payments. Many consumers are now accustomed to tapping a card or phone, managing purchases digitally and completing transactions without unnecessary delays.
For amusement operators, responding to those expectations means looking at the whole player journey – from the first payment and each game played to topping up credits, collecting tickets and redeeming prizes. Making each stage as straightforward as possible can reduce interruptions and allow guests to spend more of their visit playing.
Lynda Clarke, general manager UK at Nayax, commented:“When more than half of arcade visitors prefer a cashless way to play – rising to three-quarters among those aged 25-34 – operators without that option risk missing out.
“That doesn’t just mean someone walking away from a machine because they can’t pay in the way they want. It could also be a guest running out of credits and deciding not to queue to top up or leaving without being given a compelling reason to return.
“The payment is also only one part of the opportunity. Almost three-quarters of visitors identified something that could encourage them to spend more, whether that’s instant top-ups, shorter queues, rewards or personalised offers. Operators therefore need to consider the complete visit – how easily someone can start playing, add more credits, move between games, collect tickets and redeem prizes.”
The research comes ahead of IAAPA Expo Europe 2026, where Nayax will demonstrate its complete offering for the amusements industry.
Nayax supports amusement operators at every level, from a single kiddie ride or machine to a multi-site arcade or FEC. Its physical payment devices can be installed directly on individual machines, rides and attractions, allowing guests to tap a contactless card or mobile wallet at the point of play.
For larger arcades and FECs, Nayax’s Tigapo brings payments, gameplay, player engagement, loyalty and prize redemption together in one cloud-based management platform. Guests can buy and top up credits through a kiosk or the Tigapo app, use their game card to play, and track digital tickets and manage prize redemption.
Tigapo also gives operators access to information on player activity, revenue and machine performance. Its business intelligence capabilities include AI-enabled features that provide real-time insights, recommendations and forecasting. These help operators to identify their most profitable machines, understand changes in player behaviour and make faster decisions – supporting revenue growth while reducing operating costs through greater efficiency.
Nayax’s technology also extends beyond the arcade floor, supporting payments, management and loyalty across unattended retail, vending, parking, EV charging and other self-service environments. An FEC, a holiday park or leisure destination can therefore work with one partner across more of its venue instead of introducing a different system for every use case.