Quoted from digdug2084:

-Yawn- if people are still trying to armchair it, hoby1 works for the national entertainment network or NEN. I can confirm that rainbow machines are indeed as dumb as a box of rocks. They are built like a classic jeep, rugged, and only with the features you need. Of course it doesn't require programming to render a claw incapable of picking up prizes. Some more expensive machines let you enter the odds and it will adjust claw power dynamically as prizes are won. This feature has been banned in some states.
To the OPs question, Wal-Mart actually has a program where they work with independent operators, but I've only seen them do it for bulk vending and when whatever installed operator (usually NEN) isn't doing that great of a job.
If you want to fight the good fight and make pinball publicly available again your best odds are with small independent locations. As mentioned above bars and restaurants are probably best. Smart operators try to take a larger cut than legally required in bars. Also be mentally prepared to lose the machine. I've had a few walk away on me... Or get so vandalized that I have to call it a total loss.