Top 8 Dart Machines for Bars and Game Centers 2026

What Is an Arcade Dart Machine? 

An arcade dart machine is a digital system made for places with a lot of people, like bars, game centers, arcades, resorts, and family entertainment centers. Commercial dart machines are different from home-use ones. They have sensors, scoring systems, LED interfaces, multiplayer modes, and durable materials for frequent use. Modern dart machine electronic systems combine smart scoring technology, live competitions, and secure cabinet structures, making dart board arcade machines ideal for busy venues. No matter what kind of dart machine you're looking for, whether it's a full-size, compact, coin-operated, digital, or networked one, the goal is always the same: to make sure it's reliable, engaging, and lasts a long time.

2026 Arcade Dart Machine Market Trends and Expert Insights

By 2026, the global arcade game machine market is expected to grow as the arcade gaming landscape as a whole continues to digitalize. According to APO Research, the arcade game machine market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with a CAGR of 7.2% from 2026 onwards. At the same time, Technavio predicts that the overall arcade gaming market will grow by USD 2.22 billion between 2024 and 2028, driven in part by increased physical interactivity, AI-driven systems, and immersive experiences.

From a business perspective, the growth of the arcade games market isn't just about nostalgia. It's a clear shift toward smart, interactive, and connected entertainment that truly engages players. I’ve seen firsthand that venues investing in network-enabled, durable, and sensor-based arcade machines—especially digital and arcade dart machines—consistently attract more foot traffic and encourage repeat visits. In the coming years, the most successful manufacturers will be those who blend cutting-edge technology with strong commercial-grade design, ensuring their machines can handle the demands of busy locations while exceeding the expectations of modern users. And if you're an operator aiming to stay competitive, you simply can’t afford to miss out on the right smart dart machine, especially as buyer interest spikes around the Top 10 Electronic Dart Machines for Entertainment in 2026.

Top 8 Arcade Dart Machines for Bars and Game Centers 

• Recommended Venues

• Venue Type	Key Features	Recommended Dart Machines
  Bars and Pubs	High foot traffic, social environment, casual players	Bar dart machine, dart board arcade machine
  Game Centers and Arcades	Dedicated entertainment space, competitive play, repeat customers	Full size dart machine, digital dart machine, arcade dart machine
  Resorts and Hotels	Leisure areas, guest engagement, extended stay	Electronic dart machines, digital dart machine
  Family Entertainment Centers	High traffic, children and adults, interactive play	Coin operated dart machine for sale, full size dart machine
  Corporate or Campus Recreation Zones	Team-building, employee/student engagement	Commercial electronic dart machine, digital dart machine

• What maintenance do electronic dart machines need?

• Dart machines need to be kept up to stay accurate and reliable, especially in busy venues. You've gotta keep your commercial electronic dart machine or dart board machine's board surface and sensor area clean to prevent dust from blocking detection. Operators should regularly check and tighten segments, replace worn tips, and inspect internal wiring to keep the dart machine running smoothly. It's also important to update the software, recalibrate the scoring system, and ensure the payment module works correctly. These are critical steps for any electronic arcade dart machine. Also, cleaning the cabinet, checking the ventilation, and maintaining the shock-absorbers will help the dart board arcade machine last longer. If you take care of it, you'll get consistent scoring, more uptime, and a better experience for customers.If you want to know more about upkeep, check out What maintenance do electronic dart machines need in 2026? Taking care of it will result in more uptime, consistent performance, and improved customer satisfaction.

• FUNTECH: Your Trusted Arcade Dart Machine Supplier

• Guangzhou Suiyi (FUNTECH) was founded in 2023 and specializes in R&D, manufacturing, and global sales of intelligent sports equipment. With Joyful Power, we're all about delivering reliable and fun arcade and digital dart machines for bars, game centers, and entertainment spots. Our products are certified to meet international safety and quality standards, and they feature smart technology, interactive content, and long-lasting durability.  Here at FUNTECH, we're all about being a top player in the digital sports and entertainment world. We've got your back with worldwide support and top-notch service.

8. FAQs about Dart Machine

1. What is the best dart scoring machine?

When it comes to the best dart scoring machine, it's all about accuracy, durability, and commercial features. If you're looking for something for a busy place, a high-quality arcade dart machine or digital dart machine with infrared sensors is the way to go. Commercial buyers usually go for models like Bullshooter, Phoenix, or FUNTECH's Joyful Power series because these electronic dart machine systems deliver consistent scoring, interactive content, and long-term reliability. When you're thinking about buying a dart board arcade machine, it's always a good idea to compare its accuracy ratings and cabinet durability.

2. Are electronic dart machines worth it for commercial venues?

Yes. A commercial electronic dart machine can really engage customers and cut down on scoring disputes. Bars and game centers find that a durable electronic dart machine system increases both dwell time and daily revenue. Modern dart arcade machines have LED targets, smart scoring, and multiplayer modes that make them better than traditional boards. They require less maintenance and attract more players, so most operators recover the dart machine price within months, especially when using coin-operated dart machines for sale.These features make today’s dart machines highly suitable for bars or commercial use, giving operators a reliable and profitable entertainment option.

3. What is the best electronic dart board machine?

If you're looking for the best electronic dart board machine for commercial use, look for one that offers stable scoring, durable target segments, and multiple game modes. High-end arcade dart machine models like Phoenix and Bullshooter are great for competitive play, while FUNTECH models are awesome for interactive content. For small bars, an affordable dart machine with app connectivity might be all you need. When picking a digital or commercial dart machine for your place, it's always a good idea to think about things like accuracy ratings and the quality of the segments.

4. How much does a commercial arcade dart machine cost?

A commercial arcade dart machine usually costs between $1,200 and $7,500, depending on features, target technology, and cabinet structure. Entry-level electronic dart machines start at around $650, while advanced full-size dart machines designed for tournaments can cost more than $10,000. Operators usually go for a coin-operated dart machine for sale when ROI is key, since these units generate direct revenue. When comparing dart machine price options, think about maintenance needs and long-term durability.

5. What are the disadvantages of electronic dart boards?

While they're great for automated scoring and safety, they can require occasional sensor calibration and segment replacement. Lower-grade dart machine electronic systems may not always give accurate readings or have weak cabinets. For commercial venues, a heavy-duty arcade dart machine or digital dart machine is the way to go to avoid most issues. The main drawback is the higher price of the dart machine at first, but the long-term ROI is usually worth it, especially in bars and arcades.But with the right selection and maintenance, these downsides are small compared to the benefits of reliable, fun gameplay.

6. How long does a commercial dart machine last? 

A well-maintained dart machine usually lasts 5–10 years, especially if it's made with reinforced materials and durable target segments. High-end arcade dart machines designed for 24/7 operation often last longer than that. If you want to keep it accurate, you should clean it regularly, replace the segments, and calibrate the sensors. When picking a digital dart machine or dart board machine, go for brands that offer solid technical support and have spare parts on hand so you can be sure it'll work well for a long time and be a good value.

7. Can I use soft-tip darts on all electronic dart machines? 

Most electronic dart machines are made for soft-tip darts. This includes the kind you find in bars and on arcade machines. Soft-tip darts are great because they protect both players and equipment. But not all dart machine electronic systems support steel-tip darts, so you should always check if they're compatible before buying a dart machine. Using the wrong dart type can damage sensors or reduce scoring accuracy. Soft-tip systems are still the safest choice for arcades.

8. How much space do I need for a full size dart machine? 

A full-size dart machine usually needs about 2.5 to 3 meters in length and around 1.5 meters in width for a safe playing area. Commercial arcade dart machines also need extra room for people to move around and for foot traffic, especially in bars and game centers. When buying a digital or commercial dart machine, make sure you think about cabinet depth, throw line placement, and standing zone. If you're working with a smaller venue that doesn't have a lot of floor space, compact dart machine electronic units might be the way to go.

9. How Can Customers Pay to Use a Commercial Dart Machine?

Most commercial arcade and digital dart machines support multiple payment options. Classic arcade games take quarters, tokens, or other coins. These days, a lot of electronic dart boards also take cashless payments like contactless cards, mobile apps, or QR codes. From what I've seen at professional venues, offering flexible payment methods is a win-win. It's more convenient for players, boosts revenue, and cuts down on the maintenance that comes with handling coins.

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality commercial arcade dart machine or digital dart machine is a smart choice for bars, game centers, resorts, and family entertainment venues. From what I've seen at professional venues, these machines offer a lot of benefits. They're accurate, interactive, durable, and they help increase customer engagement and repeat visits. If you pick the right electronic dart board machine, you can cut down on maintenance issues, make things safer for players, and get the most out of your investment in the long run. If you're a venue looking to upgrade your entertainment offerings, you should check out coin-operated dart machines or networked bar dart machines. They can help you find a solution that fits both your space and budget. Overall, a well-chosen full-size dart machine delivers a profitable, engaging, and reliable experience that meets the expectations of modern players while boosting venue revenue.

If you want more info or to talk about what you need, contact FUNTECH directly at vicky@funtechgame.com or call +86 15815871555 to speak with our team of experts.