Too many American machine operators are "running scared and not making any investment in their operation," said Neal Rosenberg, who runs the Monduce chain of FECs, mostly located in amusement parks.

"In terms of sales, only the parts and service business remains strong because of lack of investment by operators. We have shown that we are on the right track by expanding our operation and investing our money in new equipment. The results have been great and above our projections."

Rosenberg added: "It is a shame that so many operators are just keeping their heads down and trying to creep along with what they already have in terms of equipment."

He said that Monduce was finding a great resurgence in people going out to those FECs where the offering is more than just video games. "They regard it as a night out with family and/or friends and having food on-site is another great asset in an FEC." He said that redemption games and instant-win redemption games were "All that seem to work.

"The message is to have the courage to reinvest to keep your inventory fresh, watch the margins, watch the costs, give value and work at customer relations -then wait for the big breakthrough."