"Daytona USA" was popular in arcades. In Japan, it was the ninth highest-grossing arcade game in 1994. In North America, the twin cabinet was one of three 1995 recipients of the American Amusement Machine Association's Diamond Awards, which are based strictly on sales achievements. In a 2002 report, Sega said it was one of the most successful arcade games of all time. "Retro Gamer"'s Nick Thorpe said that though "Daytona USA" is considered anecdotally one of the most successful arcade games for its multiplayer and longevity, exact figures were difficult to find. In 2015, "IGN"'s Luke Reilly said that the game is "perhaps the most recognisable arcade racing game of all time and the highest-grossing sit-down cabinet ever" and noted the continued presence of "Daytona USA" cabinets in arcades and bowling alleys.