I think in the ideal world, it sounds great but high risk as not much will be earned to walk away with a wage but what seems to be a slow growing trend is pinball combined with something.

pinball and icecream - this guy has 3-4 outlets so must be doing ok from it and seems to have more night time openings with beer and comps - a place to hang out - this would be good near a tourist area and do well in Summer and seasons either side but maybe not winter ????
http://fulltilticecream.com

pinball and beer - barcades - this would be cool but more of a night time thing I think but a huge outlay and need the right environment.
http://barcadebrooklyn.com

pizza and pinball seems like another popular thing as people come for food and have a few games while waiting and then go again.


renting pins would be expensive - could find a operator that sites pins with the condition that they are in good condition and go 50/50 of earnings through the pinballs and then your mate slowly purchase a few pins.