Arcade chain Dave and Buster’s recently announced plans to allow customers to place wagers on their arcade games through their app. However, this move has not been well-received by everyone. Illinois State Rep. Daniel Didech has filed a bill to prohibit family amusement establishments from facilitating wagering on amusement games. He argues that family-friendly arcades should not be involved in unregulated gambling and lack the ability to oversee such activities responsibly. Didech’s bill has gained bipartisan support and is backed by over two dozen other state lawmakers.
Didech, who also serves as chairman of the Illinois House Gaming Committee, highlights several concerns with the idea. He mentions the lack of protections for problem gamblers and the potential exposure of younger individuals to gambling. While Illinois requires individuals to be 21 years old or older to gamble, Lucra Sports’ service, which powers the wagers on Dave and Buster’s app, is available for those aged 18 and up. Didech believes that Dave and Buster’s has not adequately conducted the necessary due diligence for this venture.
The Ohio gaming control board has also expressed concerns about the proposal. A spokesperson for the Ohio Casino Control Commission states that it appears to violate Ohio law regarding the facilitating of illegal prizes for skill-based amusement machines. The commission plans to reach out to Dave and Buster’s for more information on the matter.
Both Lucra Sports and Dave and Buster’s have declined to comment on the opposition they are facing. However, it is worth noting that companies are increasingly looking to cash in on the booming sports betting industry since its legalization in many parts of the country. For Dave and Buster’s, the goal is to provide customers with a new form of entertainment that keeps them engaged for longer periods and encourages them to spend more money.
Lucra Sports, the company behind the wagers on Dave and Buster’s app, claims that most bets made through their platform average around $10. They have not yet determined the maximum bet amount for Dave and Buster’s. Lucra argues that their arrangement with the arcade chain is not subject to the same gambling regulations or taxes as sportsbooks because it is considered skill-based peer-to-peer betting. The company also asserts that they have implemented responsible gaming policies, such as options for self-exclusion or self-limitation on their platform.
Brett Abarbanel, executive director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, International Gaming Institute, is interested to see what safeguards, if any, will be put in place by Dave and Buster’s. She emphasizes the importance of consumer protection measures, especially when targeting a younger audience, as participants are risking something of value on an uncertain outcome.
In conclusion, Dave and Buster’s plan to allow customer betting on their arcade games has faced opposition from lawmakers like Illinois State Rep. Daniel Didech. Concerns have been raised about the lack of protections for problem gamblers and the potential exposure of younger individuals to gambling. The Ohio gaming control board also has reservations about the proposal. Companies are increasingly looking to benefit from the growing sports betting industry, and Dave and Buster’s aims to provide a new form of entertainment that encourages customers to spend more money. Lucra Sports, the company behind the wagers, argues that their platform is not subject to the same regulations or taxes as sportsbooks due to its skill-based nature. However, experts stress the importance of implementing consumer protection measures, particularly when targeting younger participants.
