Sports betting has become a booming business in the United States, and it appears that the phenomenon is coming to the arcade. On April 30, Dave & Buster's announced that visitors will soon be able to place bets on arcade games with their friends.
Dave & Buster's, which operates more than 200 locations across the U.S., is teaming up with gamification software company Lucra to make it happen. In a statement, Dave & Buster's senior vice president of entertainment and attractions Simon Murray expressed the arcade chain's excitement about the move.
"This new partnership gives our loyalty members real-time, unrivaled gaming experiences, and reinforces our commitment to continuing to elevate our customer experience through innovative, cutting-edge technology," he said.
It should be noted that Lucra doesn't refer to these games as bets or wagers, but "real-money contests" or "challenges." "We’re creating a new form of kind of a digital experience for folks inside of these ecosystems," Lucra chief operating officer Michael Madding told NBC News. "We’re getting them to engage in a new way and spend more time and money." There will also be a limit on bets and "extensive responsible gaming policies" in place.
Still, the news quickly became the butt of many jokes online about gambling and betting. Given the proliferation and availability of online betting platforms, creating another venue for people to place money on possible game outcomes prompted some honest reactions.
"Weeping uncontrollably at Skee-Ball because my nephew whiffed a five leg parlay and now I can't afford dental," one X user wrote.
weeping uncontrollably at skee ball because my nephew whiffed a five leg parlay and now I can't afford dental https://t.co/su4nvyo88S
— Dan Toomey (@dhtoomey) April 30, 2024
"Can’t wait to tell my wife I lost the house playing Mortal Kombat," another X user said.
Can’t wait to tell my wife I lost the house playing Mortal Kombat. pic.twitter.com/9E3IWfpyTQ
— Douglas A. Boneparth (@dougboneparth) April 30, 2024
"Me at Dave & Buster’s after betting my entire paycheck on my nephew beating his friend in Skee-Ball," another person captioned a clip of a horse better.
Me at Dave and Buster’s after betting my entire paycheck on my nephew beating his friend in skeeball pic.twitter.com/OvzXgzV6Mk
— Art Vandelay (@KingFavre) April 30, 2024
"I’m 50K in the hole after betting on the Dave & Buster’s Fruit Ninja game," another person wrote.
I’m 50k in the hole after betting on the Dave & Buster’s Fruit Ninja game. pic.twitter.com/4nsolsrLc2
— D Hunt (@DHunt1313) April 30, 2024
"Blowing my life’s savings and then blowing my brains out in the Dave & Buster’s bathroom," another user said.
Blowing my life’s savings and then blowing my brains out in the dave & buster’s bathroom https://t.co/ycvK4oIXsE
— gabriel #FreeKatanga #FreeBavaria (@CASTRATEELON) April 30, 2024
"If I’m leaving Dave & Buster's down $300 because one of my buddies got hot on the Skee-Ball I guarantee someone’s dying," another wrote.
If I’m leaving Dave n busters down $300 cause one of my buddies got hot on the skee ball I guarantee someone’s dying https://t.co/NxkdCRRJRt
— Broman Gudas (@Vladdycurry) April 30, 2024
"I hate how common sports betting is, but you bet your ass I'm going to Dave & Buster's and laying down over/under bets on little Timmy's Whac-a-Mole score," another person said.
I hate how common sports betting is, but you bet your ass I'm going to Dave and Busters and laying down over/under bets on little Timmy's Whack-a-Mole score https://t.co/ttKJIZPTZW
— Nateinthewild | Nate Luebbe (@nateinthewild) April 30, 2024
Customers can access Lucra's gamification software in the Dave & Buster's app. Here, loyalty members can "digitally compete with each other, earn rewards, and unlock exclusive perks while competing with friends." Just double check your bank account before you walk in the venue.
