Yes, it similar to using tokens. But instead of using coins, the arcade games operate by swiping what looks like a credit card through the reader on each game. Each game costs a certain amount of points, depending on what type of game it is (i.e. little kid's games are 5-10 points each, harder games are 15-20 points each). Your game card has 100 points on it, which you can use on any combination of games in the arcade.
I must say, I am a little concerned that your TA doesn't know this information. What else doesn't he/she know that is pretty standard to tell customers????