There is no single playbook for buying entertainment equipment. An old IGT slot machine, a Bloodborne board game, an Uncharted video game station, and a set of staff earbuds all land on my desk, and they all need different checks. I manage purchasing for a regional entertainment company—arcade, bar, and event spaces. We have about 200 employees across three locations and spend roughly $250k a year on equipment and supplies (maybe $230k, I'd have to check the P&L). I report to both operations and finance, so every order needs a reason beyond 'it looks cool.'
Most buyers focus on the item itself and completely miss the support system around it. Why does that matter? Because the venue business is a service business. If a machine looks rough, a game is missing pieces, or staff audio cuts out, guests notice. That's not just an equipment problem. It's a brand problem.
Scenario 1: Buying old IGT slot machines
If you're searching for an "old IGT slot machines list," you probably want to know which older models are still worth buying for a bar, a retro arcade, or a small route. The model names that still show up in resale lists include the IGT S2000, Game King, Triple Diamond, Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune, Red White & Blue, and 5 Times Pay. That list helps, but it doesn't tell you whether a specific unit is any good.
When I bought our first vintage slot in 2021, I focused on the price and missed the important question: who can fix it and where do I get parts? The machine ran, but it wasn't reliable. We saved $800 by skipping the bench test and then spent $1,300 on a replacement power supply after a flickering screen scared the staff. Not ideal, but workable? No, not really. I still kick myself for that one.
Here's what I check now for old IGT slot machines:
- Machine history and condition. Ask the seller for the model badge, serial number, and any service history.
- Bench test. If the seller won't let you turn it on, that's a red flag.
- Parts and service. Older models like the S2000 and Game King have a huge parts ecosystem. A newer machine might look nicer but could be harder to repair.
- Legal status. Verify current regulations with your local authority. These rules change, and they vary by jurisdiction.
- Invoicing. If a vendor can't provide a proper invoice, I don't order, even if the price is good.
One thing that surprises people: older isn't automatically worse. The IGT S2000 and Game King have been around long enough that many technicians know how to service them and parts are easier to find. A newer machine with a fancier screen is not a better buy if you can't get it repaired without waiting weeks.
The same logic applies to the machine's appearance. A scratched cabinet or a stuck button sends a message. Customers don't know whether the issue is age or neglect; they assume neglect. The condition of an old IGT slot machine is part of your brand.
Scenario 2: Adding a Bloodborne board game or an Uncharted video game setup
If you run a tabletop cafe, a game lounge, or an event space, a Bloodborne board game is a different problem. It's a popular title, so it draws attention. But it's a big box with a lot of components. The question everyone asks is "is it fun?" The question I ask is "what happens when pieces go missing?"
We bought the Bloodborne board game for our lounge in 2023. I didn't think about setup time, table size, or component controls. After a booking lost several pieces, I made a component-count sheet. It's a boring solution, but it works. The game itself was fine; the process around it wasn't.
For a console station with an Uncharted video game as the draw, the same broader point applies. The game license is usually the cheapest part. Controllers, headsets, mounts, cables, and backup hardware add up. Check the software's terms for commercial use before you put it on a paid floor. A consumer copy isn't always the same as a commercial license.
Quality perception shows up here too. A complete board game with a clean box says you care about the guest experience. Missing pieces say the opposite. The extra 10 minutes of checking after every reservation is worth it.
Scenario 3: Staff tech and the "are Samsung earbuds waterproof" question
When I look for staff headsets or earbuds, IP ratings are a dealbreaker. There's a reason people search "are Samsung earbuds waterproof" so often: Samsung's Galaxy Buds are common, but the ratings are not obvious. As of January 2025, Samsung's official product pages show different ratings for different models. Some are rated IPX7 for the earbuds, while others are around IPX2. The charging case generally doesn't get the same rating.
So, are they waterproof? No. Some are water-resistant. It's not the same thing. If a staff member drops a pair into a puddle or gets splashed during a busy shift, an IPX7 pair has a much better chance than an IPX2 pair. (Should mention: the charging case is not part of the water resistance rating, even when the earbuds are.)
In 2022, I bought 12 non-rated earbuds to save money. Two failed in the first month after a drink spill. Replacing those two cost about as much as upgrading the original order to IP-rated pairs would have cost. The 'budget' choice looked smart until we saw the repair bill. Net loss: time, money, and staff frustration.
Audio quality matters for brand image too. A glitchy earpiece makes staff sound unprofessional, and guests pick up on it. It's not the most glamorous part of a venue, but it's part of the operation.
How to tell which scenario you're in
Here's a simple way to decide what deserves your attention. Three questions:
- Is it customer-facing? If yes, condition and finish matter more than the price tag.
- Does it need ongoing parts, support, or licenses? If yes, check those before you send a purchase order.
- Has someone verified the legal or commercial terms? If not, stop and verify first.
No universal answer works for all three. An old IGT slot machine needs regulatory checks and a service plan. A Bloodborne board game needs a component process and enough table space. A Samsung earbuds order needs an IP rating check and a realistic idea of how staff use it.
When I took over purchasing in 2020, I treated each order as a one-off transaction. Now I treat every customer-facing item as part of the venue's reputation. The $50 saved on a lower-quality option can cost more than $50 in image and replacement. That doesn't mean always buy the most expensive option. It means buy the option that protects the experience.