J&J Gaming

J&J Gaming

Reviews Summary

The reviews show a mixed consensus: Many praise J&J Gaming for fun machines, good promotions, fast rewards delivery, and quality prizes, with some highlighting excellent customer service. However, several criticize poor payouts, unreliable machines, and frustrating customer service experiences, including long wait times and unprofessional behavior. A few note technical issues with kiosks or machines. Overall, satisfaction heavily depends on individual experiences with wins, service, and rewards.

About This Listing

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Pinball Machines
Has Pool Tables
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

Features

Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Pinball Machines
Has Pool Tables
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

1500 S Raney St

Effingham, Illinois 62401

Customer Reviews

My wife and I have a lot of fun playing j&j gaming we don't play no other one we support j&j gaming cause they sponcer my our friends race car. I just wish the jack pots were a lot higher and the bonuses hit more then they do. But other then that we love j&j gaming

They actually have the preferred games which are great until you have a problem? their customer service is terrible and they do not value their players. Stood for an hour waiting for customer service to come help with a down machine and wait for them to pay me out. Once he got there, I had to sit for another 15 minutes while he scrolled Facebook. Then I got told they couldn't pay me out because they had to look at the cameras as most people are thieves. I found that really insulting and mentioned it on the

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. An establishment I was at was having issues with the machine , they called for assistance and to get a technician out to repair it. They gave me the phone to speak to the gentleman and he spoke over me multiple times. Would not listen to the issue the machine was having , and proceeded to tell me that I needed to calm down. obviously that infuriated me as he CONTINUED to talk over me . The technician that took the phone call at 7:40pm should NOT have a job in customer service .

It's always nice to be a winner. I love J&J gaming. I won 750.00 dollars from the real stars just from checking in. Time to go gaming on J&J games down at the Firehouse event center.

I truly believe that their machines are programmed to payout less and take more of your hard earned money. Their machines don't allow you to win back your money as well. They're just reaping in the profits as most ppl lose unfairly. Best thing is to stick to the casinos and play table games that give you a more fair experience at winning. I will no longer play these ?computerized? slots stealing unfair gaming units.

Took like 2.5 years to earn enough points but I finally got my first point purchase in the mail today. Super quick shipping. Backpack will be well used. Thanks J&J

My experience at any J&J is fun and relaxing. As expected, I have good and I have not so good plays but that's the name of the Game. I love checking in on my phone, it is easy, fast and convenient. The extras chances they offer to win "Sweepstakes". Are wonderful.

The rewards are good but playing sucks at bucks crossing they never hite any more

J and j gaming A&E gaming. The machines are so tiwhat type that you cannot win on them. They say they are a random number. Generated machine which they are not because are controlled by a main computer which therefore is not a random number generator machine. I know cause I work at a casino. And these machines are garbage. I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy again.Stay away from j and j gaming and A&E gaming

We like the Meater! The thing I question is, the outside box looked original. The inside box had the tairstrip pulled and gone and the 2 taped circles had been cut on the inside box. It had been opened. Other items we ordered came unopened. Thanks for the Meater!

Speaker is loud and and the music is clear and has a good range. The clip is strong and works great

Love the payback program, and the quality of everything I have received is excellent.

So nice of them to force you to download an app now or lose your points. Could have just kept the kiosk and add the option to download the app. But that would cut into profits I'm guessing. Feels like an easy way for them to wipe off points and give less in return for gambling with them

At JL?s in Palatine IL? ATM to get cash wasn't working.,.. Establishment requested a technician to come out?been waiting nearly 2 hours now and nobody has shown up.. not only hurting yourselves but hurting the establishment? poor service!!!

It was great. I have a good time playing and the RayBan glasses are very well made!!! Thank You! Phil

J&J gaming has a great gaming experience and has an interesting variety of games. Their rewards program is by far the best compared to other gaming venues!!

Wow! I love playing J&J games. They constantly host events and I was the winner of the cash bash! I definitely recommend playing their games!

I think it's great that you offer these items to those of us who play on J&J machines. It's a little extra incentive.

They sent me a free gift in the mail but it's a BBQ set when the free gift it said I was getting at the gambling place was a pizza cutter! I have no use for a BBQ set but it was free so can't complain too much

We stop in at Ivy's when we or shop in Shelbyville.Ivys is always clean and the staff seem very friendly

I LOVE the new app!!! It's so convenient to check in. I ordered the flashlight & it was here in a few days & it's a good heavy duty flashlight!! Thanks so much!

I love J&J Gaming's mobile check in! It allows you to sign in without leaving your machine!

I received the popcorn bucket. How does it work? No directions in the package

I like the Penny's that is close to me. Winning is nice. If I have fun on your machines then I'm happy. Your cash contests are fair. I have been a winner a couple of times over the past years. I used some points I had and ordered 2 items in the last week. They both came within 3 days of ordering via U S mail. Fast service and definitely superior quality items . Another bonus from J&J gaming ! Thank you for a great slot cafe. Kudos to the employees, too.

Someone stole my 100 dollar voucher while I i was changing out my laundry and all they said was we could run the camera but its not like you will get the money back. Merry Christmas. You are making billions and that's what they tell me. So disgusted. All of the establishment are filthy onto onto it.

J & j free pizza cutter. Thank you. Awesome free gift for being loyal player ??

They have the best machines and player promotions! I always look for the red and white J&J signs for my best wins

Prizes are pretty decent, got the igloo backpack cooler! Although it took forever to get the points, cant really complain seeing as how it didnt cost me a dime! All in all im very happy with it

I love playing at Beck's in LaSalle, IL. Fast delivery on rewards products. Thank you! Heat resistant mat.

I love playing at the Eldorado location by Mimmos pizza. The manager, Debbie, is great! She does not allow any shenanigans and I feel safe while there. She's very friendly and speaks to everyone so you feel welcome. The place is clean and she wipes the machines down frequently. Great place!

This is what happens when j&j doesn't like you

Love the rewards keep up the good work!

Win or lose had good wins with J and J.wife couldn't get voucher printed and Tech.from J and J arrived in decent time. Thanks again.thankx for that t shirt and quick reply and response by agent to cash voucher. U guys r the best

Love it when I win on the machines and they do seem to be looser than the other machines ! And then I'm a winner just for playing. Was a good surprise to find out I won the grill set. And i didn't have to jump through hoops to claim it. Was simple to claim and I received it in idk 2 or 3 days !

Great customer service from Carsyn Bush- USPS lost/damaged envelope and she got it resent! TY!

I was up to 1,300 points which took a LONG time! I ordered breakaway speaker tonight so I can't judge if 890 points was worth it until it arrives. Gaming is really fun to, I've done well playing the machines. Have fun and earn points!

saw one of the technicians take a woman?s 50 dollar bill and laugh and say ?i guess this one?s mine? and then say she needs to call the operator and have them check the camera to prove it was hers even though the cashier was a witness and insisted it was hers as well as myself being there. im avoiding all J&J locations

I love going here and it is my absolute favorite, I have tried other company?s and the amount of chances you get to win is actually fair and makes it more fun and challenging. They are not stingy with their winning spins and amount of times you are winning?.. I also enjoy the check in points for chances to win and pick out cool prizes and that's appreciation from the company. They don't make the amount of points you need unattainable either so I don't have anything negative to say. One of the better comp

SO DOGONE GREAT J&J GAMING IS. SO GLAD I COULD BUILD UP MY POINTS & OBTAIN AWESOME PRIZES??. I GOT A SHIRT. I GOT A FLASHLIGHT. I GOT A UNDER ARMOUR BACKPACK. I MADE A ORDER FOR A LANTERN. KIND OF WISH I COULD GET A ??, OR ??. BUT I LOVE GETTING AWESOME PRIZES.

Games seem to be updated and mostly in good repair but the check in stands seem to mostly be down at multiple locations. Bolt on Inn, Keifs and All Inn down a lot.

Always a good time. Lenny's tavern has 6 machines and there have been countless winnings this month with thousands paid out

I love J&J they make it easy to redeem your points and they remind you to spin the wheel to make more points.I just redeemed points for an umbrella and laser leveler with a tape measure and free shipping. The only thing I'd correct is the log in is only on kiosk and sometimes it's down other times they don't have one to earn points and if you're a true gamer you know that is at the very least 4 spins your missing a possible 20 points if not more. Even getting the bare minimum for using the app it's better

I love the Player PAYBACK rewards program. Coming to check in every hour is pretty cool. Unfortunately, I recently redeemed some of my points for a couple T-shirts. One was supposed to be a small, but I got two Mediums. Would be great to have some free play in lieu of Match and Play. Thanks for the free gift J&J Gaming!

Tony is an asset to the company went above and beyond to make things right!! Thanks Tony!!!

I always stop and play the machine at the truck stop at the pilot in Mt Vernon never had a problem til today the machine jammed with my money in it n I called the number at the door n they said that they would send someone to infix it and leave my money with the store the store wasn't willing to do it so I'm just out 100$ due to no one giving a damn it have to be a better way of doing business cause I know the store is making money off the machine being there

Payout rate when gambling is extremely low..I get winnings are gonna be hard but Jesus I should be about to get a special well within $100 but rarely ever do

My wife and I go out and have a couple of drinks and gamble. When we do, we sign in at the Kiosk and have won a couple of times here and there. This time I won $375. It's sure worth the time to sign in every time you gamble. You won't win if you don't sign in. Thanks J&J Gaming. Good start to the New year.

We love how they take care of they people at all locations. Shannon is awesome!

Enjoy Gambling at the J&J locations. Ordered the T-shirt got it in just 3-4 days ,very nice only 80 points! Don't forget to check in every half hour, it pays off!!

Yes I enjoy.Once In awhile I win. Once in awhile I don't. Everyone is very friendly and it's very clean. I'm glad I'm a member. Thanks for all the giveaways and refreshments and snacks. I will come again every chance I get

Love J&J Gaming!! They are all so helpful with every aspect of their services. Lisa and Jeff do a great job with communicating always checking in on us and offering us new promotions and making sure we are satisfied. The tech guys that come in to fix anything are all awesome! They are always friendly, respectful and fast. Definitely recommend!

Great fun great machines Great prizes after earning all the points Also got a shirt and tumbler cup...

This particular spot, black eyed Susan. When you are gaming they don't even offer you a pop or anything like they do at other places. Their focus is on horse racing. When I won a prize in the contest, it was like pulling teeth to get my money. I received different answers from at least 3 or 4 people and it took 6 wks to get it. I have never had this problem with other places.

I can't say enough good things about this company. From my account manager Nicole, to every person who has serviced my machines, installed Cameras, or helped me in anyway. They are professional, efficient, and kind. The repairs and service are quick! I've never had such great service! I'm so very happy with my choice in switching to J&J! The transition was smooth and stress free! I look forward to many years with J&J.

Thank you I love J&J gaming rewards

J&J is the best Gaming partner there is. They take care of you, ensure what you need to do everything is there. Communication is top notch. You don't have to wait for them, they will call on you every week to ensure your needs are taken care. They help with problem solving, marketing, you name it. Will always look to them as my partner in all future projects.

It was such a surprise when I won $350 from J&J Gaming. Such a fun and easy game to participate in. Thanks for the free game, so generous. Thanks again for the wonderful surprise. Jewel Tuey

They really need to loosen up some of these machines.... No one ever plays them because all you do is make a donation... You can't even win enough to sit and play for a while it's ridiculous

We are loyal customers with J&J gaming and when a situation happened where we had .40 cents and won free spins, it went to the menu to select an option to receive our free spins and it kicked us out. We had a tech come out and told us they would call us the next day, 2 days later we called and he said we had to put money in since our balance was at 0 and there was nothing they could do. Had the tech told us to put a dollar in to try it out we would've been fine.

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill-Prompt service, one-on-one attention, great game selection and updates. Customer service is always friendly. If we ever need help they are there so quickly. Our Rep. Braydon is AMAZING. If I need a question answered he is always there ready to help and has great ideas for promos. Would recommend.

I received the manicure set. It is so cheap and garbage it goes, my tv remote is bigger what a scram...

The J&J gaming rooms are always spacious and clean and full of endless possibilities. Fun games with newest and best machines. Not to mention the have an incredible rewards program! All sorts of cool prizes that cost you nothing!

Absolutely top notch. When I first started to check with companies to get gaming into my business(I & I Deli in Ashmore), one of the questions I had was what made them different than the other companies. They quickly told me the service they can provide. And they have lived up to that. I have had them as my gaming company for over 3 years and they have been Johnny on the spot for anything that comes up and all their employees are fantastic! . J & J Gaming delivers and I highly recommend this company as they

Service is 110% quicker than other companies. Customer service is outstanding. Brett goes above and beyond, for us. We plan on adding more bars to our company in the future, and we will most definitely have J&J at all locations. Thank you for the great service!

Play there Buffalo machine. I was betting Max bet $3. Got the bonus. While I was in the bonus every spin still deducted $3. Retrigger twice. Ended up with less money after my bonus than I had when I started my bonus because it charged me $3 for every spin complete rip-off. Do not play the games if it says J & J gaming on them

There are quite a few J&J Gaming facilities in my area. My friend and I like to make our rounds around town and see if there are any new games we need to try out. I always check in on the kiosk, it has paid off too! I won a recent contest by just checking in at one of the local restaurants. Thank you J&J Gaming!

Second time dealing with J&J Re: prizes earned (no fault to them) - very quick to answer the phone and assist you, and are very thorough and personable in the process. Great place, great gifts, and glad we are members!!

Recently installed a couple amusement items and could not be more happy with the professionalism of not only the company but the team as well. Thanks to all of them and we look forward to growing our business.

We at the Cottage Inn love J&J! We seldom have problems with anything, and should we, it is taken care of very quickly. All the employee's and Gaming Reps are very knowledgeable and polite. No question is a stupid question. They even helped us prepare for the return of gaming by providing partitions and sanitizer for our patrons. J&J are number one in my book!

Machines are fun to play but personally I've never really hit a big win. It fun to pass the time and just maybe win extra money in the meantime.

When I got the call saying I won I thought it was a scam, because I never have won from any drawings. The the gentlemen that was on the other end was like not this is not a scam. So today I received my winnings thank you J &J Gaming

You're very welcome for the opportunity to not only enjoy yourself but also have a chance to receive a nice bonus. The Continental restaurant is a very pleasant and cozy place for gaming!

I ordered the flashlight last month. It doesn't work. How do I get a new one? I do enjoy going to Lucy?s. The night people are very friendly and personable

The Squaw bar is a lot of fun. It's like a second home to me !!! Beth is the manager and The Best Bartender she take pride in what she does!!!

My Prize Came Pretty Quick. A Little Over A Week After A Week. The Product Is Good Quality, Very Satisfied!!

I appreciate the gift because it shows this is a give and take opportunity for the player from the company.......It actually let us know that we can be winners too?? Thank You

Great gaming great rewards

This is very clean well maintained establishment fun atmosphere and very polite customer service which I do enjoy they allow you to be you and cater to your every need and make you comfortable as can be as well and wishes you luck upon arrival.

As a business owner, J&J is hands down the best gaming vendor in the industry. They're there when you need them. Customer service is priority one. I haven't met a single J&J employee I haven't liked. If I could rate above 5 stars, I definitely would.

I love going to Penny's playing the machines. You can go in there and win some good money and l just win $300.00 in a contest. Angela M.

Woohoo! Received my ?Wanna get Lucky? T-shirt in the mail today from J&J. Pays off entering your # in their kiosks!!

I will use this for my curling irons and other hot tools.

Your game prices have really increased used to be fun but now it's too expensive to go in and play your game sorry I'm pulling myself away from j&j gambling in this area in Southern Illinois your loss not mine you raised your prices and you can't even win any money for the money you put in your games are a big rip off now used to love to go in and play the games but I'll just pocket my money and do something else besides use it in j&j gambling equipment. You're breaking yourself by raising your prices sorry

J & J Gaming provides services throughout the region where I work including Mattoon, Decatur, Champaign and more, so I love that I can check in the J & J Gaming at any location in the area. Also, there are great items to earn using your Gaming points, and usually there are other giveaway prizes during the year. It's fun! Just game responsibly!!

Excellent customer service! Love the team we work with at our bar-Jeff and Lisa are the best. Our customers like the increase in your online posts recently. Keep it up!

My wife and I have visited many places that have been taken over by J&J Gaming. we've noticed that the managers and owners seem to be much happier with J&J, the family operation seems to be a much better fit, not only for the businesses but for they're customers as well. We know that this company is new to the local area but see great things happening in the near future, where as Tap Room had become stagnant and falling quickly in the gaming industry.

J and J Gaming is an amazing company. Our account manager is Nicole, and I cannot say enough nice things about her. She is super attentive, kind, patient and checks in every week, sometimes twice a week to make sure we are okay. I highly recommend J and J Gaming over any other gaming service.

We originally chose J&J because they were at the forefront of the fight to legalize Video Gaming in Illinois. Now, we stay with them because of their service and attention to details. Seldom are there issue but when there is, they have an immediate response. Thank you J&J for being our partners!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Are pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.