Carnival & Fair News

Games have always been the midway's stepchild. The vast majority of fairgoers come for rides and food. Typically, games rank third on the consumers spending list when attending a fair or carnival. In 2026, political turmoil and economic uncertainty present challenges, but there are also bright spots for concessionaires who adapt.

In the early months of 2026, the primary concern among game concessionaires is the same issue affecting all midway segments: labor. While the H-2B program is expected to supply enough guest workers for the season, processing delays and other issues have left many operators short-staffed. “In a normal year, we have 20 to 30 games and 50 to 60 H-2B workers, but this is not a normal year,” said Lisa Bogue of Boguey Concessions, a West Coast-based operator that works independently and as a subcontractor for larger midway providers such as Butler Amusements.

 

Scaling Back

During the first quarter of 2026, the company reduced its footprint to 8 to 12 games, supported by about 14 foreign guest workers. “We usually have workers by now, but we were capped out in the first round and are still waiting,” she said. An early spring event was reduced from 25 to 15 games. Bogue remains cautiously optimistic that workers will arrive before peak season, but she noted that “if they are not here by summer, we will be in trouble.”

These challenges are widespread. Carnival companies and other H-2B employers are facing similar delays. Another concern across the fair industry is consumer spending. Many fairs reported flat or declining spending in late 2025 and early 2026.

As the weakest of the three major midway segments, games are especially vulnerable during economic downturns. When budgets tighten, game spending is often the first to be cut. In response, operators are refining presentations and strategies to maximize performance.

Despite concerns, the impact may be less severe than expected. “Games are discretionary spending, so they are often affected first,” said Larry Steele, Sales and Project Manager at Bob's Space Racers. The company manufactures leading midway games and operates Cassata Concessions, which works with North American Midway Entertainment and independently at major fairs such as the Iowa State Fair and the Minnesota State Fair.

He added, “In 2025, the decline was not universal. Well-run operations with the right mix of games still performed well.”

According to Steele, success depends on smarter use of space rather than simply reducing it. Operators are trimming underperforming games, focusing on proven earners, and improving layout and visibility. “It may look like fewer games, but it is really about optimization,” he said. “The goal is to run the right games in the right configuration.”

 

Automation and Technology

Labor challenges are accelerating a shift toward automation. “At parks, we are seeing more attendant-free games,” Steele said. “They help reduce labor costs while maintaining consistent throughput.”

These games offer operational advantages. They run continuously, provide a standardized experience, and are easier to manage over long hours. They also integrate well with modern payment systems, including cashless transactions, which are increasingly expected by guests. Players can participate at their own pace, which may increase engagement and repeat play.

Traditional operator-driven games will remain important for creating energy and interaction. However, in a tighter economy, automated games provide a more predictable model. Operators who balance automation with engaging experiences are likely to perform best in 2026.

Cashless systems are also becoming standard. Platforms such as Tap N Go and FunTagg continue to improve. Sidney Karmia of Toy Factory noted that while games are often the last stop for spending, cashless systems encourage additional play. “When guests have money left on a card, they often spend it on games before leaving,” he said.

 

Plush Trends