Dave & Buster’s, the popular entertainment chain known for merging dining with arcade gaming, is making headlines on both sides of the border—facing sharp legislative resistance in Illinois while celebrating a strategic expansion into Mexico.
In Illinois, the proposed Family Amusement Wagering Prohibition Act (HB 5832), introduced by Representative Dan Didech, aims to ban wagering systems in family-friendly venues like Dave & Buster’s. The legislation is a direct response to the company’s plan to allow guests to place peer-to-peer bets on arcade games via its proprietary app.
Didech argues that such a move blurs the line between entertainment and gambling, especially concerning minors. “Family entertainment centers should not normalize gambling for children,” Didech stated, warning of long-term public health risks. If passed, HB 5832 would prohibit any form of wagering in establishments that allow minors, effectively halting Dave & Buster’s betting ambitions in the state.
While regulators in Illinois express concern, Dave & Buster’s is forging ahead with international growth. The company has partnered with Winclub Mexico to launch ten new franchise locations across major cities, beginning with Mexico City in late 2025. The expansion will include localized gaming and dining experiences designed for Mexican consumers, signaling a tailored approach to international markets.
Antonio Bautista, Dave & Buster’s Chief International Development Officer, emphasized that the Mexico partnership is part of the brand’s long-term growth plan and an example of how it adapts to global opportunities.
The simultaneous controversies underscore the tension between innovation and regulation in the gaming industry. As states grapple with responsible gambling legislation, Dave & Buster’s is testing the limits of what entertainment-based gaming can become—raising critical questions about where gaming ends and gambling begins.
