LuxPlay arcade in Bournemouth is helping to dispel the notion that arcades and anti-social behaviour are somehow intrinsically linked, following a surprising visit by a group of teenage boys last week, which demonstrated the undeniable power of play and proved once again “why arcades exist”… and that disorder is more the state of mind of prohibitionist councillors than players on the arcade floor.
The myth that arcades and anti-social behaviour are fundamentally entwined was further undermined by an event which occurred at LuxPlay last week, when a visit from a group of teenagers led to a timely reminder of “why arcades exist.”
The Bournemouth arcade took to social media on 2 June to share the story of what took place the day before, when “a group of teenage lads” walked into the Sovereign Centre venue on an otherwise unremarkable Wednesday.
“If we’re honest, many people would probably have judged them before they even said a word,” said a spokesperson. “Hoodies up, loud, trying their best to look tough. Instead, we got chatting, had a laugh and challenged them on the boxing machine.”
“We told them if they beat the score, we’d give them some free credits. They beat it. What happened next genuinely stayed with us. The tough act disappeared. Within minutes they were racing each other on driving games, playing pool, celebrating wins on the arcade machines and laughing their heads off.”
“For a little while, they weren’t trying to be men. They were just kids. And that’s exactly why LuxPlay exists. Not just for arcade machines and soft play, but to give families, friends and young people a safe, welcoming place to spend time together, make memories and simply enjoy themselves.”
The venue added: “Whoever the parents are of these lads, they should be proud.”
The post was met with an overwhelmingly positive response online, especially when the boys returned to the arcade the next day to enjoy “a proper laugh together.”
“Seeing these lads come back for a second night in a row genuinely makes us proud.
“Not of the business. But of what the business is becoming. A place where people actually want to be.”
Lads just wanna have fun
Lux Play said… “Seeing these lads come back for a second night in a row genuinely makes us proud. Not of the business. But of what the business is becoming. A place where people actually want to be…
Originally published on Coinslot on June 22, 2026. Republished with permission.