Do guests need coins to play the machines?

No. Every machine is set to free-play for events, so guests simply press start and play as often as they like.

What does an arcade basketball hire include?

Every hire includes delivery, set-up, testing and collection by JM Entertainment's own crew, with PAT-tested equipment and public liability insurance. Delivery is quoted for your venue.

Can I add someone to run the machine?

Yes. An attendant can be added to manage the queue and keep games running, and leaderboards and prizes can also be arranged.

Live prices are shown on every machine page, and the availability checker shows what is free on your date. Delivery, set-up and collection are quoted for your venue.

Arcade Basketball Hire: The Complete Guide for Events

Arcade basketball hire is one of the easiest ways to give an event a focal point that people of every age actually want to play. Guests step up, grab a ball and shoot as many baskets as they can before the countdown runs out, while an LED scoreboard ticks up and the sound effects build. It needs no instructions, it is quick to play, and it creates a natural queue of people trying to beat the last score. This guide explains what the machines are, what comes with every booking and how the process works from first enquiry to collection.

What is an arcade basketball machine?

An arcade basketball machine is a commercial, full-size shooting game of the kind you will recognise from amusement arcades and family entertainment centres. Each machine has a hoop (or hoops) set at the back of an angled lane, a net to keep the balls in, a ramp that rolls missed and made shots back to the player, and an electronic scoreboard.

A typical game lasts roughly 60 seconds. When the timer starts, the player shoots as quickly and accurately as they can, and the scoreboard counts every basket. Some machines add moving hoops or bonus rounds as the game goes on, which keeps experienced players coming back for another go.

For events, every machine is set to free-play, so there are no coins or tokens to manage and the line keeps moving.

Which machines can you hire?

The range covers everything from a single classic machine to a full linked tournament set-up. Popular options include:

Arcade Basketball Interactive Version – a full-size LED machine with digital scoreboard, countdown and high-score memory. See the Arcade Basketball Interactive page.
Basketball Shootout Pro – an individual lane with moving hoop levels, a chain net and an LED light arch.
Electronic Basketball Challenge Deluxe 2 Player – two hoops and one scoreboard for head-to-head games in a compact footprint.
Arcade Basketball 4 Player – four machines linked side by side, ideal for tournaments.
Expo, branded and themed versions – slim exhibition machines, machines wrapped in your artwork, and seasonal designs for Halloween and Christmas.

You can browse the whole collection on the arcade basketball hire range page.

What's included in every hire

A hire is more than a machine turning up on a van. Every booking includes:

Delivery, set-up and collection by JM Entertainment's own crew. Delivery is quoted for your venue.
Testing before guests arrive, so the machine is lit, scoring and ready when doors open.
PAT-tested equipment and public liability insurance cover.
Free-play settings, so guests simply press start and play.
Automatic ball return, LED scoreboard, countdown timer and sound on every machine.

Most machines run from a standard 13 amp socket, which makes them straightforward to place in hotels, offices, marquees and exhibition halls.

Optional extras

If you would like someone to manage the queue, reset games and keep the energy up, an attendant can be added to the booking. Leaderboards and prizes can also be arranged, which turns casual play into a competition that runs all day or all evening.

Where arcade basketball works well

Because it is simple to understand and quick to play, arcade basketball suits a wide mix of events:

Corporate parties, summer socials and Christmas events
Exhibition stands and product launches
Weddings, birthdays and milestone celebrations
School fairs, student events and community fun days
Sports clubs, gyms and brand activations

Some people play a single game and move on; others stay for twenty attempts to top the high score. Either way, the machine keeps people near the action.

How booking works

Check availability. Use the live availability checker, which reads JM's stock system, to see which machines are free on your date.
Look at live prices. Every machine page shows its current hire price, so you can compare options before you enquire.
Request a quote. Tell us the venue, date, timings and access details. Delivery, set-up and collection are quoted for your location, and the spec sheet with dimensions, weight and power comes with your quote.
Confirm and add extras. Once booked, you can add an attendant, leaderboard, prizes or branding. If you choose branding, you will receive an artwork template for every panel.
Event day. The crew arrives at the agreed time, sets up, tests everything and leaves the machine ready to play.
Collection. After the event the crew returns to pack down and remove the machine.

Tips for a smooth event

Share access details early: stairs, lifts, narrow doorways and loading bay times all affect delivery planning.
Choose a spot near a socket, away from fire exits, with space for a short queue.
Book early for December and summer weekends, when demand is highest.
Think about a prize for the top score; it gives guests a reason to come back.

Ready to book?

Whether you need one machine for a party or a linked line-up for a large event, the quickest way to start is to check your date on the availability checker and look at live prices on each machine page. If you have questions about your venue or would like a tailored quote, get in touch and the team will help you choose the right set-up.