Location

Aladdin’s Castle: Capital Hill Mall

Helena’s Capital Hill Mall may be gone, but locals still speak of the roar of a 65‑cabinet Aladdin’s Castle that once anchored its east wing. A 1986 city‑council PDF green‑lit the arcade after heated debate—neighbors worried about “where teens go, trouble follows,” yet Bally won permission by promising security patrols and strict hours. The castle thrived through the ’90s,…

Aladdin’s Castle: Burnsville Mall

Built right into the main Sears entrance, Aladdin’s Castle, Burnsville Center began raking in Minnesota quarters from opening day in 1977. Contemporary newspaper ads even listed the arcade among the mall’s inaugural tenants—a signal honor in a region obsessed with hockey rinks, not joysticks. Long‑time patrons on forums recall the space relocating to the food‑court mezzanine during a…

Aladdin’s Castle: Berkshire Mall

Aladdin’s Castle, Berkshire Mall (Wyomissing, PA) opened upstairs near Bon‑Ton sometime in the late ’70s and quickly became Berks County’s quarter‑drain of choice. The room was famous for two things: an animated neon sign that flickered in sync with Galaga explosions and the “no‑hassle birthday” package advertised on local kids’ TV. Yelp lists the branch as closed but preserves…

Aladdin’s Castle: Bend River Mall

Central Oregon’s Bend River Mall boasted an Aladdin’s Castle that felt more like a clubhouse than a chain store. Opened circa 1980 along U.S. 97, the pit‑stop arcade became the rainy‑day refuge for skiers and desert commuters alike. A vintage Facebook photo dated 1997 shows the gold‑turret sign glowing behind a father‑and‑son selfie—proof that the branch was still thriving well…

Just Games – Mt. Prospect Euclid

Just Games Inc. operated a number of arcades in the Chicagoland area in the 1970s and 1980s. This location was particularly infamous for a shooting that took place within it on August 9, 1977, killing 1 man and injuring 4…

Super Just Games / Nickel City

Super Just Games is a beloved arcade in Northbrook, Illinois, known for its wide selection of classic and modern games. It opened in 1992 and remains a popular destination for gamers in the area, offering a nostalgic experience with games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and other iconic titles. While it originally operated on tokens, in 1999, it transformed into Nickel City, an arcade where games can…

Treasure Chest

The Treasure Chest (AKA Baer’s Treasure Chest) was a unique novelty shop and arcade located in Chicago. It had a magic counter where renowned magician Ed Marlo worked, and upstairs was Abbott’s Pro Shop, managed by Don Alan. The shop was a hub for magic enthusiasts and even had connections to Okito, a famous magician and inventor. The front of the store was filled with gag gifts and novelties,…

Star Worlds

Star Worlds Arcade in DeKalb, Illinois, established in 1985, has been recognized as one of the last remaining neighborhood arcades from the 1980s. It originally opened on January 11, 1985, in Maple Park, Illinois, with just 18 arcade games. Patrick O’Malley, the founder, started it as a personal collection of games in his parents’ garage before moving to a commercial space. The arcade later…

The People’s Choice

The People’s Choice Family Fun Center in Waukegan, Illinois, is a sprawling entertainment hub that originally began as a small game room in 1984. It is now over 43,000 square feet of fun with a wide range of attractions, including 150+ arcade and redemption games, bumper cars, kiddie rides, and even a mini Vegas strip for adults. The center also features Rocky’s Pizzeria, serving homemade pizzas…