Restaurant and arcade chain Dave & Busters is adding features to its mobile app that would allow players at its physical locations to wager with each other on games like Skee-Ball.
Dave & Busters is using gamification software from technology company Lucra which will allow users to compete with each other, get rewards and unlock in-app perks while physically hanging out with friends at a Dave & Busters location.
“This new partnership gives our loyalty members real-time, unrivaled gaming experiences, and reinforces our commitment to continuing to elevate our customer experience,” said Simon Murray, Dave & Busters senior vice president of entertainment and attractions.
Lucra pointedly eschews the use of terms like wagering, betting and gambling, but it aims to “disrupt traditional forms of competition” and “destigmatize cash-based competition” by letting people challenge their friends with higher stakes than just arcade tickets.
“We use real-money contests or challenges,” Lucra Chief Operating Officer Michael Madding told CNBC.
Lucra contests are for players 18 and up according to CNBC.
They are also not categorized as gambling, because players decide the outcome based on their individual skills as opposed to relying on chance or, in the case of sports betting, on the skills of others.
The companies did not say when the new features should be expected on the Dave & Busters app.
Recreational game contests using Lucra software are available in 43 states according to the company’s website.