If you’ve ever, perhaps after a few beers, bragged that you’d stake money on your Skee-Ball prowess, Dave & Buster’s has you covered.
The eatertainment chain on Tuesday said it had partnered with gamification software company Lucra to allow members of its rewards platform to make a wager on any of its arcade games through its app, according to a report on CNBC. The feature is slated to roll out in the coming months.
Dave & Buster’s did not respond to a Restaurant Business request for further comment but, in a press release from New York-based Lucra, the chain said the partnership will give rewards members an enhanced gaming experience.
“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,” Simon Murray, SVP of entertainment and attractions, said.
The technology allows Dave & Buster’s customers to compete against each other, earn rewards and “unlock exclusive perks,” Lucra said.
Upping the ante on its arcade competition is another avenue by which Dave & Buster’s is looking to increase the amount of time customers spend in its food-and-games establishments.
About a month ago, the chain revealed ongoing menu upgrades, as it seeks to boost food and beverage attachment among its gamers. About two-thirds of Dave & Buster’s revenues currently come from game play. But a better food-and-drink program would also likely keep customers engaged with the games for more time.
According to CNBC, Lucra said skills-based games (such as Skee-Ball, basketball and other arcade offerings) don’t face the same legal scrutiny when it comes to gambling as do games of chance.
Lucra also told the network there would be a limit placed on the size of bets, but it declined to specify a number. Historically, the company’s average bet size has been $10, the report said.
Coppell, Texas-based Dave & Buster’s operates 164 Dave & Buster’s locations in 42 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. The company also operates 59 Main Event eatertainment locations in 20 states.
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