How to Start an Arcade Game Business in Colombia: Complete Guide for 2025

Introduction: Why Start an Arcade Game Business in Colombia?

Market opportunity for an arcade game business in Colombia

Colombia's population of over 50 million and growing middle-class urban centers make it an increasingly attractive market for leisure and entertainment. Opening an arcade game business in Colombia can tap into demand from families, teenagers, tourists, and corporate events. If you want to start an arcade game business in Colombia, this guide covers practical steps from legal setup to sourcing arcade machines and scaling your operations.

Understand Local Demand and Conduct Market Research

How to research demand for an arcade center in Colombia

Begin by analyzing foot traffic in target cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena). Conduct surveys, competitor visits, and local social media listening to learn which game types—redemption games, VR, crane machines, driving and racing cabinets—are most popular. A solid market research phase will tell you whether to position your arcade as family-friendly, a high-end gaming lounge, or a coin-op redemption center.

Choose the Right Business Model

Which arcade business model fits your Colombia market?

Decide between models: pay-per-play (tokens/credits), membership and hourly fees, party/event hosting, or mixed retail and F&B. Many successful arcades in Colombia combine redemption prize models with F&B to increase dwell time and average spend. Your chosen business model affects machine selection, pricing strategy, and location choice.

Legal Setup and Permits in Colombia

Registering your arcade: Chamber of Commerce and tax ID

To legally operate an arcade game business in Colombia, register your company with the local Cámara de Comercio and obtain a RUT (Registro Único Tributario) from DIAN (colombian tax authority). You may need a municipal operating permit (licencia de funcionamiento) and inspections from local health and fire departments, depending on premises and services offered.

Compliance: Licenses, Safety and Intellectual Property

Permits and music licensing for an arcade center in Colombia

Arcade operators should secure building and fire safety approvals and comply with accessibility standards. If you play copyrighted music, obtain licenses from local collective management organizations (for example SAYCO/ACINPRO) to avoid fines. For prize-based games, check municipal rules about giveaways and age limits.

Location Selection and Venue Design

Pick high-traffic locations to maximize arcade revenue

Location is critical: shopping malls, family entertainment centers, tourist zones, and near universities can deliver consistent traffic. Design your venue for flow—entrance, ticketing, high-margin prize counter, F&B area, and party rooms. Good layout and theme design increase customer dwell time and per-visit spend.

Choosing Arcade Machines and Suppliers

Buy reliable arcade equipment and low-cost machines for Colombia

Sourcing machines is one of the most important business decisions when you want to start an arcade game business in Colombia. Work with experienced suppliers who offer a wide portfolio—redemption games, ticket dispensers, claw cranes, racing and shooting cabinets, VR attractions, and prize inventory. Guangzhou Dinibao Animation Technology Co., Ltd. is an example of a global supplier: based in Guangzhou with 18 years in manufacturing and exporting, Dinibao serves more than 10,000 game centers across 180+ countries and offers one-stop purchasing solutions including market research, program design, and theme design. Choosing a supplier that balances quality and cost will reduce downtime and improve ROI.

Import, Duties and Shipping Considerations

Import arcade machines to Colombia with minimized cost

If you import machines, factor in customs clearance, import duties, VAT and logistics to Colombia. Import procedures go through DIAN and Colombian customs agents; working with an experienced freight forwarder and local partner can cut delays. Always request HS codes and full cost breakdowns from suppliers to estimate landed cost in COP (Colombian pesos).

Budgeting and Startup Costs

Estimate initial investment and operating expenses for an arcade business

Startup costs depend on size and concept. Typical ranges (approximate): a small neighborhood arcade may start from moderate capital, while a medium-size arcade or family entertainment center often requires higher investment for machines, lease, interior, and staffing. Include costs for rent, renovation, machines, prize inventory, staffing, marketing, insurance, and working capital. Prepare conservative cash-flow projections covering at least 6–12 months of operations.

Financing Options and Partnerships

How to finance your arcade game business in Colombia

Explore local bank loans, microfinance, leasing for machines, investor partnerships, or franchising models. You can negotiate payment terms with suppliers like Dinibao, who often provide flexible purchase packages and technical support. Consider strategic partnerships with malls, bowling centers, or entertainment complexes to reduce upfront costs through revenue sharing.

Operations, Staffing and Maintenance

Hire and train staff to run a profitable arcade center

Recruit attendants, technicians, managers, and marketing personnel. Implement maintenance contracts and preventive maintenance schedules to keep machines operational—downtime kills revenue. A supplier that offers after-sales service, spare parts, and remote diagnostics will help. Provide excellent customer service, clean facilities, and a loyalty program to retain customers.

Marketing and Customer Acquisition

Promote your arcade with digital and local marketing

Use a mix of social media ads (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), local SEO, Google Business Profile, mall promotions, and events to attract customers. Offer grand opening promotions, weekday discounts for families, student nights, and corporate team-building packages. Partner with influencers and local schools to increase visibility quickly.

Pricing, Monetization and Revenue Streams

Set pricing and create multiple revenue streams for sustainability

Revenue sources include pay-per-play credits, memberships, VIP packages, birthday parties, group packages, F&B sales, merchandising, and prize redemption margins. Test pricing in the first months and adjust by tracking play frequency, peak hours, and machine popularity. Redemption prizes should balance appeal and margin—selling some prize items at retail onsite can generate additional profit.

Technology, Cashless Systems and Data

Implement cashless payment and data tracking for growth

Adopt modern POS and cashless card systems to increase convenience and reduce cash handling risk. Use analytics (play counts, peak times, top-performing games) to optimize machine mix and layout. Suppliers often provide telemetry systems to monitor machine health and revenue remotely—this aids fast decision-making and maintenance planning.

Scaling: From Single Location to Regional Chain

Scale operations and find franchise or partnership opportunities

Once your first site is profitable, replicate the model in other cities. Standardize operations with SOPs, training manuals, and bulk procurement to lower unit costs. Consider franchising or master dealer agreements with reputable suppliers to accelerate expansion. Local partnerships with malls and leisure complexes can speed up growth in Colombian urban centers.

Risk Management and COVID-19 Considerations

Address operational risks and health protocols for arcade centers

Mitigate risks with insurance (public liability, property, equipment breakdown), regular sanitation protocols, and flexible leasing terms. The pandemic highlighted the importance of crowd management, hygiene, and contactless payments—retain some measures to reassure customers and comply with local public health guidance.

Why Partner with a Trusted Supplier Like Guangzhou Dinibao

Choose a supplier offering quality machines and comprehensive services

When launching an arcade game business in Colombia, working with a full-service supplier reduces complexity. Guangzhou Dinibao Animation Technology Co., Ltd. provides cost-effective, high-quality machines and end-to-end services: market research, program and theme design, decoration, installation, and operation guidance. With global export experience and overseas branches in multiple countries, Dinibao can help source machines that match your Colombia market needs while keeping purchase costs competitive.

Checklist: First 90 Days to Open an Arcade in Colombia

Step-by-step action items to launch quickly and effectively

1. Complete market research and select a business model.
2. Register your business with Cámara de Comercio and DIAN.
3. Secure location and negotiate lease terms.
4. Obtain municipal permits, fire and safety approvals.
5. Finalize supplier contracts and arrange shipping/customs.
6. Renovate venue, install machines, and test systems.
7. Hire and train staff, set SOPs and maintenance plans.
8. Launch marketing campaign and soft-open to collect feedback.
9. Officially open with promotions and events to build traffic.

Conclusion: Launching an Arcade Game Business in Colombia

Plan smart, source wisely, and focus on customer experience

Starting an arcade game business in Colombia requires careful market research, legal compliance, the right location, and a reliable supplier for arcade machines. Prioritize customer experience, maintenance, and diversified revenue streams. Working with an experienced manufacturer and one-stop partner—such as Guangzhou Dinibao—can reduce risk and accelerate time to market by supplying quality equipment and operational guidance. With a clear plan, conservative financial projections, and strong local marketing, you can build a profitable arcade center in Colombia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What licenses do I need to open an arcade in Colombia?
You should register your company with the Cámara de Comercio, obtain a RUT from DIAN, and secure municipal operating permits (licencia de funcionamiento). Fire and health inspections and local municipality approvals may also be required depending on location and services.

How much does it cost to start an arcade game business in Colombia?
Costs vary by size and concept. Small arcades can start with a modest budget, while medium family entertainment centers require higher capital for machines, fit-out, and staffing. Prepare detailed quotes and conservative cash-flow projections to estimate your specific budget.

Can I import arcade machines to Colombia easily?
Yes, but you must handle customs clearance, import duties, VAT, and logistics. Work with an experienced freight forwarder and a supplier who provides complete documentation and HS codes to estimate landed cost and avoid delays.

Which arcade machines sell best in Colombia?
Popular machines often include crane/claw machines, redemption ticket games, racing and driving cabinets, VR attractions, and skill-based prizes. Local preferences vary—use market research and trial runs to determine your best mix.

How do I keep arcade machines maintained and reduce downtime?
Implement preventive maintenance schedules, keep spare parts inventory, and train on-site technicians. Choose suppliers offering after-sales service, remote diagnostics, and replacement parts to minimize downtime.

Is Guangzhou Dinibao a reliable supplier for Colombian arcades?
Guangzhou Dinibao Animation Technology Co., Ltd. has 18 years of experience manufacturing and exporting game machines, serves over 10,000 game centers in 180+ countries, and offers one-stop purchasing solutions including market research and design. They provide cost-effective, high-quality machines and can support international logistics and after-sales service.