Amusement Arcade Insurance UK | Adult Gaming Centres
Amusement arcade insurance covers adult gaming centres, family entertainment centres and seaside arcades. The covers that matter most are buildings and contents, including gaming machines, money cover for cash held in machines, change points and safes, and business interruption if a fire, flood or break-in closes the premises. Public liability protects you against injury claims from customers, and employers' liability is a legal requirement once you employ staff. Many standard shop insurers will not quote for arcades because of the cash on site, the late opening hours and the risk of theft and vandalism, so cover usually comes from specialist leisure and retail markets. Insurers look at your Gambling Commission and council licences, machine categories, cash handling, CCTV and alarm, shutters, staffing and claims history.
Key facts at a glance
- Cash is the biggest exposure. Money in machines, change points and safes needs its own limits, and insurers set them by your safe rating and alarm.
- Licences must be in order. Adult gaming centres need a Gambling Commission operating licence and a council premises licence, and insurers ask for both.
- Machines are valuable stock. Gaming machines should be insured at replacement cost, including leased machines you are responsible for.
- Break-ins and vandalism drive claims. Shutters, monitored alarms and CCTV are usually conditions of cover.
- Closures cost income. Business interruption covers lost profit while the arcade is repaired after an insured event.
What insurance does an amusement arcade need?
Most arcades need buildings or tenant's improvements cover, contents and gaming machines, money cover, business interruption, public liability and employers' liability. Seaside and town centre arcades often add terrorism and glass cover.
| Cover | What it protects | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Buildings and contents | Premises, fit-out, gaming machines and prize stock | Leased machines you must insure |
| Money | Cash in machines, change points, tills and safes | Separate limits in and out of business hours |
| Business interruption | Lost gross profit after fire, flood or break-in | A long enough indemnity period |
| Public liability | Injury to customers and the public | Cover for children in family areas |
| Employers' liability | Injury to staff, including during robbery | A legal requirement |
| Terrorism | Damage and losses from a terrorist act | Often excluded unless added |
Arcades share many of the risks of other late-opening leisure venues. Our guides to nightclub insurance and trampoline park insurance cover the liability side in more depth.
Why do standard shop insurers decline arcades?
Arcades combine large amounts of cash, long opening hours, young customers and a history of break-ins and vandalism. Online shop policies are built for low-risk retail and usually exclude gaming premises altogether.
The most common problem we see is an arcade insured as a general shop or leisure business without the gaming activity being declared. If the insurer was never told about the machines or the cash held overnight, a theft claim can be reduced or refused. Accurate disclosure matters more than the premium.
Money left in machines after closing is usually only covered up to a low limit. Emptying machines, banking regularly and using a rated safe protect both your cash and your claim.
What do insurers ask about an arcade?
Insurers ask about your licences, the type and number of machines, how much cash you hold and where, your security, opening hours, staffing and any previous claims.
- Licences. Gambling Commission operating licence and council premises licence, or family entertainment centre permit
- Machines. Number and category, and whether they are owned or leased
- Cash. Typical and peak amounts in machines, change points and safes, and how often you bank
- Security. Shutters, monitored alarm, CCTV, safe rating and key holding
- Trading. Opening hours, staffing levels and lone working
- History. Five years of claims, including attempted break-ins
Arcades with a claims history
An arcade that has suffered break-ins or a fire can still be insured. Specialist markets look at what has changed since the loss.
Show the insurer what you have improved, such as new shutters, a monitored alarm or a lower overnight cash level. Our guides to insurance for businesses refused cover and business insurance after a fire claim explain how we present these risks.
How do you set up arcade insurance?
- Gather your licences. Operating and premises licences or permits.
- List your machines. Category, value and ownership.
- Set your cash limits. Based on your real peak takings, not averages.
- Document your security. Alarm certificate, shutter details and CCTV.
- Value the business. Gross profit for business interruption.
- Review before peak season. Seaside arcades should check limits before summer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Most standard shop policies exclude gaming premises, so arcades need cover from insurers that accept licensed gaming and the cash it involves.
Only under money cover, and usually with lower limits outside business hours. Set limits that match your real peak takings.
It is not a legal requirement, but almost every landlord and licensing authority expects it, and a single injury claim could be costly.
Only if you declare them. Many supply agreements make you responsible for the machines, so check your contract.
Yes. Specialist insurers will look at the improvements you have made since the loss.
Usually, under buildings and contents cover, although insurers may set an excess or require shutters.
Related guides from Miller & Partner
Miller & Partner Limited (FRN 1029698) is an Appointed Representative of Gauntlet Risk Management Ltd (FRN 308081), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Miller & Partner Limited is registered in England and Wales (company number 16206282) and trades from Vivian House, Roman Bridge Close, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 5BG. This article is general information, not a personal recommendation or an offer of cover. Cover is subject to insurer acceptance and the full terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued.
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