How to Buy an Arcade in GTA Online (Locations, Prices & Setup)

Arcades in GTA Online are more than just flashy properties with retro machines — they’re the key to unlocking the Diamond Casino Heist, one of the most profitable activities in the game. Owning an arcade lets you plan and launch the heist from a dedicated operations room while also earning steady passive income through arcade cabinets placed inside the building. Before you’re allowed to buy one, you’ll need to complete a short setup mission with Lester that kicks off the Casino Heist storyline. Once that’s done, arcades become a powerful mix of money-making and long-term progression. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to buy an arcade in GTA Online, how much it costs, which locations are worth it, and what you should know before spending your money.

How to Buy Arcades in GTA Online

Before arcades even appear as a purchase option, you’ll need to unlock access through a short story setup tied to the Diamond Casino Heist. The process is quick, but it has to be done first.

To unlock arcades, start by loading into GTA Online and checking your map for a mission marker related to the Diamond Casino Heist. Once it appears, head to that location and you’ll receive a call from Lester. He’ll ask you to meet him at a nearby spot marked with his icon on the map. Travel there and watch the short cutscene that introduces the heist and explains how arcades fit into the plan. When the scene ends, arcade properties are officially unlocked on your account.

After that, buying an arcade is straightforward. Open your in-game phone, launch the internet browser, and head to Maze Bank Foreclosures. Use the filter options to show only arcade properties, then scroll through the available locations. Each listing shows the price and where it’s located on the map. Once you’ve chosen the arcade you want, confirm the purchase and it’s yours instantly.

As soon as the transaction is complete, the arcade becomes fully accessible. You can visit it right away, start setting up arcade machines, and begin preparing for the Diamond Casino Heist from the planning room inside.

GTA Online Arcade Locations and Prices

GTA Online gives you six different arcade properties to choose from, all listed on the Maze Bank Foreclosures site. Each one comes with a different price tag depending on how close it is to Los Santos and the Diamond Casino, which directly affects how convenient it is for heist prep missions.

Pixel Pete’s in Paleto Bay is the cheapest arcade you can buy, costing $1,235,000. It’s far from the city, which means longer travel times, but it’s a solid option if you’re on a tight budget. Wonderama, located in Grapeseed, is priced at $1,565,000 and sits a bit closer to the action, making it slightly more convenient without a huge jump in cost. Videogeddon in La Mesa costs $1,875,000 and is one of the most popular picks since it’s relatively close to the casino and central Los Santos, saving time during setup missions. The Warehouse arcade in Davis comes in at $2,135,000 and offers a decent middle-ground location in the south side of the city. Insert Coin, found in Rockford Hills, costs $2,345,000 and places you near high-end areas and fast routes across the map. Finally, Eight-Bit in Vinewood is the most expensive option at $2,530,000, but it’s also the closest to the casino, making it the most efficient choice for frequent heist prep runs.

In general, cheaper arcades mean more driving and flying during setups, while the higher-priced locations save time and make grinding the Diamond Casino Heist much smoother in the long run.

FAQs

Do you need an arcade to start the Diamond Casino Heist?

Yes, owning an arcade is mandatory if you want to host the Diamond Casino Heist. The arcade acts as the planning base where all prep missions, crew selection, and finale setups are handled.

What is the best arcade location to buy in GTA Online?

Most players prefer arcades located closer to Los Santos, such as Videogeddon or Eight-Bit, because they significantly reduce travel time during prep missions. While they cost more, they save time in the long run.

Do arcades make money on their own?

Arcades generate passive income through arcade machines placed inside the property. While the income isn’t massive, it adds up over time and can be collected from the safe without any extra effort.

Can you upgrade or customize your arcade later?

Yes, after purchasing an arcade, you can add machines, cosmetic upgrades, and optional features through the management menu. These upgrades improve passive income and personalize the property but aren’t required to run the heist.

Conclusion

Buying an arcade in GTA Online is a key step for players who want access to one of the game’s most profitable and replayable heists. Once unlocked, an arcade becomes more than just a property—it’s your command center for the Diamond Casino Heist and a steady source of passive income in the background. Choosing the right location can save you a lot of time during prep missions, while filling the arcade with machines helps generate extra cash with no effort. Whether you’re a new player planning your first major heist or a returning grinder looking to optimize money-making in 2026, owning an arcade is still one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in GTA Online.