Dave & Buster’s, a renowned arcade giant, is set to revolutionize its gaming experience by introducing social wagering on its app. In the near future, customers can engage in friendly $5 bets on arcade games like Hot Shots basketball or Skee-Ball competitions directly through the company’s app.

With over 222 venues across North America and a range of entertainment offerings from bowling to virtual reality, Dave & Buster’s boasts a significant customer base, including five million loyalty members and 30 million annual visitors. The move to integrate social wagering aims to enhance engagement among patrons and potentially increase both time spent and revenue generated at the venues.

Partnering with gamification software company Lucra, Dave & Buster’s seeks to deliver real-time gaming experiences to its loyal customers. By leveraging Lucra’s platform, the arcade giant aims to drive user adoption, boost retention, and introduce new monetization streams.

While the size of bets will be capped, specific details regarding the threshold have not been disclosed publicly. Lucra, founded in 2019 by former Goldman Sachs employees Dylan Robbins and Michael Madding, focuses on facilitating real-money competitions among peers in a variety of skill-based games.

Operating within the social betting category, Lucra’s contests adhere to strict age restrictions and are available in 44 states. The company's partnership with Dupr and TennisOne expands its reach to sports enthusiasts seeking competitive digital experiences.

With the social betting industry estimated at $6 billion, Dave & Buster’s strategic move aligns with the growing trend of gamified entertainment experiences, catering to a younger demographic while capitalizing on the recreational wagering market.