Best Dart Board Arcade Machines for Bars and Pubs

Why choose a dart board arcade machine for your bar or pub?

Adding a dart board arcade machine to your venue is more than entertainment — it’s a revenue and engagement tool. A well-chosen dart board arcade machine increases dwell time, encourages repeat visits, and creates natural opportunities for food and drink sales while offering a competitive, social experience patrons enjoy.

Key benefits of installing a dart board arcade machine

Revenue diversification and footfall: Coin-operated and cashless dart board arcade machines can generate steady income and draw customers during slower shifts. Many operators see dart games drive higher group spending compared to passive entertainment like TVs.

Low footprint, high impact: Compared with full-size pool tables or arcade cabinets, dart board arcade machines fit into tighter spaces and are easier to group into dedicated social zones.

League and event opportunities: Machines that support league modes, tournaments, and online scoreboards can turn one-off players into regulars and create mid-week traffic.

Understanding types of dart board arcade machine

Choosing the right type of dart board arcade machine depends on your audience, space, and operational goals. Below are the three main categories:

Soft-tip electronic dart machines

Soft-tip machines use plastic-tip darts and an electronic segmented board. They are popular in casual bar environments because they reduce wall damage, offer automatic scoring, and often include games, music, and lighting. Many are coin-op and support cashless payment systems.

Steel-tip bristle dart setups

Traditional steel-tip machines cater to serious players and league use. Modern steel-tip arcade-style cabinets combine a regulation bristle board with electronic scoring sensors and rugged cabinets designed for heavy use in pubs.

Hybrid and connected dart machines

Hybrid machines combine soft-tip/steel-tip compatibility or pair bristle targets with electronic scoring and online connectivity. Connected machines enable leaderboards, remote tournaments, and analytics — features that increase player engagement and revenue potential.

How to choose the best dart board arcade machine for your venue

Know your audience: If your venue attracts casual players and groups, soft-tip electronic machines with flashy lighting and multiple game modes are a safe choice. For competitive leagues, prioritize regulation steel-tip setups with durable cabinets.

Space and layout: Measure play space — regulation throwing distance for steel-tip is 7 ft 9 1/4 in (2.37 m) from the face of the board to the oche; make sure you provide clear floor space and safety backing. Soft-tip machines often reduce space constraints because they are less damaging on impact.

Payment and management: Choose machines that support current payment trends (cashless, contactless cards, mobile pay, membership/billing). Features like remote content updates, usage reporting, and ticketing help manage earnings and maintenance.

Durability and serviceability: Bars and pubs are heavy-use environments. Pick a manufacturer or supplier offering proven durability, spare parts, and local service to minimize downtime.

Comparing dart board arcade machine categories

Below is a practical comparison of the three categories to help you decide which best suits your bar or pub.

Top features to look for in a dart board arcade machine

Reliable scoring and hit detection: Accuracy reduces disputes and enhances player satisfaction. Look for machines with proven sensor systems or validated electronic scoring units.

Payment flexibility: Support for coins, prepaid cards, contactless payments, and app-based billing increases accessibility and revenue capture.

Durable cabinet and protective backboard: A heavy-duty cabinet and protective surround preserve venue walls and extend machine lifespan.

Connectivity and software: Features like remote diagnostics, game updates, leaderboards, and multi-machine tournament modes make machines more valuable long-term.

Easy serviceability: Quick access to replaceable parts (boards, segments, electronics) reduces downtime. Preferred suppliers provide spare parts and technical support.

Why choose Neofuns for your dart board arcade machine needs

Neofuns Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. is a Guangdong-based comprehensive amusement supplier focused on game center operations, prize vending, FEC, and leisure game equipment. Neofuns offers OEM and ODM development, complete amusement center design, and after-sales one-stop service. The factory has international professional certifications, including France's BV and Germany's TUV, with many products holding CE, C-Tick, RoHS certifications and UL authentication. Since 2012, Neofuns has participated in large-scale domestic and international exhibitions and aims to become the world's leading dart machine manufacturer. For more information, visit https://www.neofunsdarts.com/.

Installation, placement and safety checklist for bars and pubs

Measure and mark throwing lines: For steel-tip play, provide the standard oche distance and a clear floor area free of obstacles. Soft-tip setups still benefit from clear space to avoid crowding.

Install protective backing: Use a dedicated backboard or surround to protect walls and furniture. This also improves visibility for players and onlookers.

Lighting and sightlines: Position machines so that lighting minimizes glare on the board. Allow spectator areas without interfering with players.

Power and network access: Ensure stable power supply and, if the machine supports connectivity, a reliable wired or Wi-Fi connection for online features and remote monitoring.

Maintenance and lifecycle considerations

Routine checks: Schedule weekly visual inspections (secure mounting, wear on boards, darts condition) and monthly functional checks (scoring accuracy, payment systems).

Consumables and replacement parts: Soft-tip darts wear faster; keep spares and replacement segments on hand. For bristle boards, rotation and replacement intervals vary by usage — heavy pub use typically needs attention more often than home use.

Software updates and support: Keep machine firmware and games updated to ensure security and new features. Work with suppliers who provide remote support and spare parts.

Pricing, ROI and business models for dart machines

Pricing for a commercial dart board arcade machine varies by type, features, and brand. Basic soft-tip machines are typically lower cost than rugged steel-tip cabinets with connectivity. Many operators recoup investment via hourly play fees, tournaments, sponsorships, or increased bar sales. Choose a machine that aligns with your expected usage and service support to optimize return on investment.

Real-world deployment ideas and promotional tactics

Host league nights and tournaments: Organize weekly league nights with prizes to create recurring revenue. Use hybrid/connected machines to manage standings and publicity.

Bundle promotions: Offer dart + food or dart + drink combos during slower shifts to increase spend per head.

Social media and photo-friendly setups: Highlight lighting and event nights on social platforms to draw new customers. Machines with LED lighting and attractive cabinets photograph well and boost shareability.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about dart board arcade machines

What is the difference between soft-tip and steel-tip dart board arcade machines?

Soft-tip machines use plastic-tipped darts and electronic segmented targets, reducing wall damage and offering many built-in games. Steel-tip machines use traditional metal-point darts and are preferred for league play and serious players. Hybrid machines combine features of both or add connectivity for expanded play modes.

How much space do I need for a dart board arcade machine?

Provide the regulation throwing line and clear spectator space. For steel-tip play, the standard oche distance is 7 ft 9 1/4 in (2.37 m) from the board face to the toe line. Soft-tip setups may be slightly more flexible but should still offer sufficient clearance for safe play.

Do dart machines accept cashless payments and remote management?

Many modern dart board arcade machines support coin operation, contactless payments, prepaid cards, and mobile payments. Connected models provide remote updates, usage reporting, and online leaderboards. Confirm payment and management features before purchase.

How durable are commercial dart machines in a pub environment?

Durability depends on build quality and user behavior. Commercial-grade cabinets and boards designed for coin-op use are built for heavy traffic. Choose machines with proven track records, replaceable parts, and accessible service to ensure longevity.

What maintenance is typically required?

Regular cleaning, inspection of boards and segments, dart tip checks, and ensuring payment and network systems operate correctly. Keep spare darts and replace worn board segments as needed. Work with a supplier offering spare parts and technical support.

Can I host tournaments across multiple locations?

Yes. Connected and hybrid dart board arcade machines can support multi-venue tournaments and online leaderboards, creating larger events and brand-building opportunities.

How can Neofuns help me select and service a dart board arcade machine?

Neofuns provides OEM/ODM development, whole amusement center design, and after-sales one-stop service. With international certifications (BV, TUV) and product certifications (CE, C-Tick, RoHS, UL), Neofuns supports venue planning, product selection, and long-term maintenance. Visit https://www.neofunsdarts.com/ for product details and contact options.

Final recommendations

For bars and pubs, prioritize machines that match your clientele: soft-tip electronic dart board arcade machines for casual, high-turnover venues; steel-tip electronic cabinets for league-focused operations; and hybrid/connected machines for event-driven businesses. Evaluate payment flexibility, durability, service support, and software features before purchasing. Working with an experienced supplier like Neofuns ensures access to certified products, customization, spare parts, and global exhibition experience to support your venue’s success.