Insert Coin(s), a Las Vegas gaming lounge and arcade, announced June 16 that it would open a second location downtown at the site of the former Karma nightclub sometime this fall.

Owner Chris LaPorte said he was close to finalizing a lease agreement.

LaPorte decided on Minneapolis because business partner Stefano M. Sinicropi, a local spine surgeon, is a resident.

He added: “You guys have it all here: Sports teams, multiple venues of bars, restaurants, clubs and a great happy hour.”

The Vegas location, which opened last year, features specially designed tables with various game consoles and games, a large selection of specialty drinks and VIP bottle service. Also available are arcade games ranging from vintage to present day.

“That’s the arcade element, then there’s the nightclub element,” LaPorte said. “We have DJs seven nights a week.”

LaPorte said he will be stopping by the Minneapolis location frequently but will be putting together a management team of some of the lounge’s original members.

“Video games are for freakin’ everybody,” LaPorte said. “This isn’t that old stigma that video games are for nerds, dorks, losers. There is no taboo to it. Having a nightclub venue with a video game touch ensures that additional entertainment value.”

The space Karma occupied has been vacant since its closing in October, brought on by a legal battle with the city to strip the bar of its liquor license after police were called 165 times in an 18-month period. (Source: The Journal)