Chances Amusement Center

Managers: Melissa and Michael

Branham

Address: 220 N. Walnut Blvd.,

Bentonville 72712; 3277 W. Sunset Ave.,

Springdale 72762

Phone: 501-464-4065, 501-751-6123

Hours: noon-midnight, Monday-

Saturday, Bentonville; noon-midnight, t

seven days, Springdale

Start-Up Date: April 23 in Bentonville;

June 5 in Springdale

Although Chances Amusement Center houses machines similar to what you might find in Tunica, Miss. or Las Vegas, manager Melissa Branham emphasizes that her establishment is not designed to encourage gambling.

“These machines are new in Arkansas,” says Branham, referring to her business was only recently legalized in the state.

“When you put your money in, you get credits,” Branham explains. Her machines are a penny per play, and customers accumulate credits. “When you decide to quit playing, you get tickets, one ticket for every 100 points. Those tickets can be redeemed for gift certificates in $5 increments from a local merchant.”

Players are offered complimentary coffee, sodas and snacks while they are playing the games at Chances. Although the business doesn’t serve alcohol, Branham says customers under 21 aren’t allowed on the premises.

“We don’t want teenagers hanging out in here. We want it to be a place for adults to come,” says Branham. “A lot of times, when the teenagers come in, the adults move out. Plus, we don’t want anybody to think we are trying to teach kids something that they should not be doing right now.”

Both locations are owned by Branham’s mother and another business partner, who also own Chances locations in Texas. Each Northwest Arkansas location has 30 machines.

Another Chances will open on North College Avenue in Fayetteville during July.