I know a guy that told me he got 50% of money dropped in his machines, Said it wasn't worth it.

Try talking to any local operators! They usually don’t part with their knowledge but it’s a good start

There's a lot of good discussions in the operating/routing sub-forum. I'd suggest going through some of the threads in there.

From what I understand, it's hard to do a 50/50 split these days. Some folks have said 60/40 in favor of the operator.

For the most part, no. Small rooms like the ones you find in walmart or theaters *might* have some rent involved.

You need to get a county tax permit for each machine. It's usually a yearly fee. Some counties it's reasonable, but others still have their laws on the books from when coin-op was hot, and it can be quite expensive.

Sometimes. It's probably best to have at least a 1 page agreement written up stating who is responsible for what, and what the split is.

Always the operator. You don't want unknowledgeable staff messing with your game, and staff don't typically have time to mess with it anyway. A lot of times when there's a problem, they'll just turn the game off, sometimes without notifying you, so you will have to check on the game constantly.

YES. And get insurance. DO NOT take the owner's word that you will be included under the insurance for the establishment. If the situation arises that you actually need to make a claim, you'll find that you won't actually be covered.

Operating costs for routing can get expensive, which is why most people don't bother with it for just one or two games. You really need a larger fleet to make it worthwhile.

Costs:
Maintenance
LLC setup; possibly hiring a lawyer to help; public notice costs; registered agent costs (if you don't want to use your home address), additional permits/licenses depending on your state/county.
Insurance
Income tax on earnings
County game tax permit; there might also be additional permits and licenses needed, depending on your state/county.
Earnings split
Possibly hiring a CPA to help with tax accounting

If you're trying to make money I wouldn't bother. If there was money to be made another established operator would already be there.

I hate to sound like a downer, but I totally agree here. Unless you are very confident in the foot traffic at the bar and the amount of plays you would get...you may not find it worthwhile.

Through a buddy of mine, I got talked in to placing a few machines in a local bar. I didn't scout it out ahead of time, so shame on me. For the past few months I'm averaging about $25 a machine after a 50/50 split. Definitely not worth the wear and tear in my opinion. A few weeks ago I was there on a weekend, and the outside was packed with kids and parents. Thinking I was going to have a good weekend, I checked inside and no one was playing! I can't figure it out. Just not a good spot for the demographics I guess.

I told the owner I would be pulling the machines. He asked if he could buy them from me, and would I be available for maintenance and repair. I'll probably sell two of them. In my opinion, I'll be in much better shape just doing that maintenance.

I've seen other threads where machines are killing it, so I know it's possible. Just need to make sure you have a location that works!

Like others indicated above. Don’t do this thinking you will make money. If you do everything right, including your own service and don’t pay yourself for your time you could break even over time, probably several years or more to get back to even.

If you look at 2 newer pins you can have $10k initial investment, depending on the location you could bring home anywhere between $50 and $500 per month gross. Thinking you will bring home more just won’t happen. Probably need to talk with the location on split, should be more favorable to you than the 50/50, that was back 20 years ago when pins were a lot cheaper. Can’t go 50/50 today.

Make sure you have bill validator and keep up with maintenance.

The one saving grace is the resale value, even on a route pin. If I tried to sell anything else for even 50% of what I bought (pool table, dart board, etc..) it for it'd be sitting on the market for years. I bought some new pool tables for 4500 a piece,(2 years later) I couldn't even let one go for 1500... after 2 months I finally decided to keep it.

I should clarify. If you're going to do it, it better be for the love of sharing pinball with the public because you most likely won't make a profit. Buy a claw machine instead.

I was shocked to hear how much claw machines can earn. It's crazy.

Considering your avatar is George Costanza from Seinfeld I would suggest just staying on the couch.

Well read! Bwahahahaha!

Then go for it!!

I won't put anything out for less than 75% coming my way. It's not about the money because there isn't much to be made. But, there's no point in giving more away than needed.

I would be terrible at it. Just the thought of my 4 legged buddy, all alone, gettin beat to hell would drive me nuts.