Dave and Busters vs The Lucky Snake: A Battle for Atlantic City’s Entertainment Scene

Dave and Busters, the popular entertainment and dining venue, is opening a new location in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The new facility will feature arcade games, sports bars, virtual reality attractions, and more. It will be at the Tanger Outlets, near the Atlantic City Convention Center.

The opening of Dave and Busters came when Atlantic City was trying to revitalize its tourism and gaming industry, which had been hit hard by the pandemic and the competition from neighboring states. One of the challenges that Dave and Busters will face is attracting customers who are also interested in the Lucky Snake, the recently opened arcade and sports bar at the Showboat Hotel.

The Lucky Snake is the largest indoor entertainment complex in New Jersey, with over 100,000 square feet of space. It offers over 300 arcade games, skeeball, pinball, air hockey, pool tables, basketball courts, a boxing ring, a sports book, and a bar. It also has a stage for live performances and events.

Dave and Busters and the Lucky Snake aim to provide fun and entertainment for people of all ages, but they have different approaches and target markets. Dave and Busters focus more on dining and adult-oriented games, while Lucky Snake is more family-friendly and affordable. Dave and Busters charge a cover fee and require a card to play the games, while Lucky Snake has free admission and accepts coins and tokens.

The question is whether there is enough demand for both venues in Atlantic City and whether they will compete for the same customers. Some experts believe they can coexist and complement each other, as they offer different experiences and cater to various market segments. Others argue that they will cannibalize each other’s business, as they are in the same area and offer similar services.

Ultimately, the success of Dave and Busters and the Lucky Snake will depend on how well they can adapt to the changing preferences and expectations of the visitors and how they can collaborate with other attractions and businesses in Atlantic City. They will also have to face competition from other regional entertainment options, such as casinos, boardwalks, beaches, and amusement parks.