About Us

Founder Spotlight: Nick Balasco, Balasco Vending

Nick Balasco, founder of Balasco Vending, developed a passion for claw machines at a young age. Anytime he came across one, he had to stop and play. What started as a simple fascination quickly became something more, as his interest in the machines continued to grow with every visit.

Eventually, his parents decided to bring that interest home by purchasing a claw machine of their own. With unlimited access, Nick spent countless hours not just playing, but learning. He began to understand how the machines worked—the timing, the grip strength, the positioning—and through trial and error, developed a skillset that allowed him to consistently win. What once felt like luck became something much more calculated.

As his skills improved, so did his curiosity. Nick became increasingly interested in the mechanics and technology behind the machines. He wasn’t just focused on winning anymore—he wanted to understand what makes a machine engaging, what keeps players coming back, and how to create an experience that people genuinely enjoy.

That knowledge eventually led to the creation of Balasco Vending, a company built around providing high-quality claw machines to businesses. With firsthand experience as both a player and an operator, Nick built the company around one core principle: the machines have to perform. That means not only reliable equipment, but prizes that people actually want. Every machine is stocked with high-quality stuffed animals and trending items that are constantly rotated based on what’s popular right now. Keeping inventory fresh and in demand is a major driver of repeat plays and higher revenue, and it’s something the company stays on top of daily.

That same approach led to the expansion into a full arcade concept with the creation of Prize Planet Arcades. Designed around rows of engaging, prize-filled machines, Prize Planet brings the claw machine experience to a larger scale—giving players more variety, better prizes, and a space built entirely around the excitement of winning. Each location reflects the same focus on presentation, prize quality, and performance that Balasco Vending is known for.

Balasco Vending isn’t just about placing machines—it’s built on a genuine obsession with the business. From product selection to machine setup and performance, every detail is constantly refined. This isn’t something done passively; it’s a hands-on, all-in approach driven by a real passion for the industry.

Today, Balasco Vending operates hundreds of machines across multiple locations, along with a growing chain of Prize Planet Arcades. What started as a childhood obsession has evolved into a full-scale operation driven by experience, consistency, and a deep understanding of what makes these machines work.

“It was always my dream to own an arcade business. Every day I pictured having my own machines in stores and restaurants. Today, we have hundreds of machines on location, and we’re just getting started.” – Nick Balasco, Founder & CEO