Dave & Buster’s, which operates around 160 locations across the U.S. and welcomes over 30 million visitors annually, revealed its plan to “gamify” the arcade experience by letting guests bet against each other on-site. The company would not act as the house, and the average bet size is expected to be around $10, according to Lucra. The wagers would be limited to games where the outcome is determined by skill, not chance, and Lucra’s COO Michael Madding emphasized that these games are not subject to the same regulations as casino gambling or sports betting. The minimum age to participate would be 18, though some Dave & Buster’s locations already have age restrictions in place, such as requiring minors to be accompanied by adults or barring those under 21 during late hours on weekends.

Legislative Response in Illinois

The announcement quickly drew the attention of Illinois lawmakers. State Rep. Dan Didech, chair of the Illinois House Gaming Committee, introduced House Bill 5832, known as the “Family Amusement Wagering Prohibition Act.” The bill, which has garnered more than two dozen co-sponsors, aims to prohibit arcades like Dave & Buster’s from offering real-money gambling on their premises. The legislation passed out of a Senate committee in late April 2025, marking a significant step toward becoming law.

Sen. Bill Cunningham, a supporter of the bill, described the practice as “unregulated gambling” and argued that arcades marketed as family fun centers should not expose minors to gambling. He noted that Illinois has been “extremely careful” in regulating gambling, whether it’s sports betting, table games, or video poker, and that similar standards should apply to arcades. The bill would also prevent other companies from introducing similar wagering options in the state.

Broader Context and Industry Reaction

Illinois is not alone in scrutinizing the Dave & Buster’s plan. Other states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, have indicated they are reviewing the legality and appropriateness of betting on arcade games, though no legislation has been passed outside Illinois so far. In Nevada, regulators have already rejected the company’s proposal to allow wagering in its establishments.

Dave & Buster’s has not publicly commented on the legislative efforts to block its wagering initiative. The company operates five locations in the Chicago suburbs, including Lombard, Orland Park, Rosemont, Schaumburg, and Vernon Hills.

The Future of Arcade Wagering

The Illinois legislature adjourns on May 24, 2025, leaving a narrow window for the bill to become law this session. If passed, Illinois would become the first state to explicitly ban wagering on arcade games in family entertainment centers, setting a precedent that could influence other states’ approaches to the “betification” of recreational activities.

For now, the debate highlights the tension between innovation in the entertainment industry and the need to protect consumers—especially minors—from the risks associated with gambling in environments traditionally seen as family-friendly.