How to Keep Your Video Gaming Terminals and Gaming Area Clean

We’re convinced that anyone that actually enjoys cleaning is from another planet. It’s time consuming, sometimes gross and if you hire someone to do the dirty work, expensive. However, it’s also extremely important for a successful video gaming business to make it a habit to keep the video gaming terminals (VGTs) and gaming area clean. Here are some tips to make cleaning as quick, painless and economical as possible.

Avoid Smoke and Other Air Pollutants

Cigarette smoke, other smoke or air pollutants have been shown to have a negative impact on technology, such as computers and VGTs (if you’re looking to learn more about how cigarette smoke can affect electronics, take a look at this article.) It’s best, therefore, to do anything you can to avoid air pollutants around your electronics – including your VGTs. It’s also recommended to change your air filters consistently throughout the year to avoid dust and other allergens from damaging machines.

Additionally, allowing smoking inside of your location is illegal (come on, we have to say it!). According to the Smoke Free Illinois Act (effective January 1, 2008), “No person shall smoke in a public place or in any place of employment or within 15 feet of any entrance to a public place or place of employment.” Between the fines ($250 for the first violation, $500 for the second and $2,500 thereafter), and the damage to your machines, instituting a smoking ban is good business.

Wiping Down Machines

Yep – another thing to add to your daily list of cleaning. But this is so worth it. Accel suggests that you use a foaming cleaner and a dry cloth. As for chairs, you can use the same cleaner and cloth, or leather/vinyl wipes. This will help keep the material conditioned so it can last longer. The most important takeaway here is to never use chemicals of any sort on the machines. When you’re cleaning the machines, make sure to get the sides and tops of the VGTs to ensure they aren’t collecting dust (hopefully dust is minimal if you follow the advice to change out your air filters regularly).

Eating and drinking is a huge component of gaming (most of your players will be doing one or both of those things when in your establishment). Make sure there is a convenient and close area for them to place their food and beverages to eliminate the possibility of spills.

Other Gaming Area Cleaning Tips

• Vacuum and/or mop the surrounding area daily (multiple times a day, if possible)
• Make sure you have garbage cans near the gaming area for empty bottles, plates or cashout vouchers that have been redeemed (unless they are big winners – display those!)
• Consider spring cleaning at your establishment – here are some great tips.
• This isn’t so much of a cleaning tip, but you should also keep your location no warmer than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

How have you improved your cleaning process in your business?