Bowling Centers

Industry Profile Report

Dive Deep into the industry with a 25+ page industry report (pdf format) including the following chapters

Industry Overview Current Conditions, Industry Structure, How Firms Operate, Industry Trends, Credit Underwriting & Risks, and Industry Forecast.

Call Preparation Call Prep Questions, Industry Terms, and Weblinks.

Financial Insights Working Capital, Capital Financing, Business Valuation, and Financial Benchmarks.

Industry Profile Excerpts

Industry Overview

The 2,800 bowling centers in the US are indoor facilities that offer bowling and related activities. They serve a mix of league and recreational bowlers. Major revenue categories include game fees; food and beverage sales; and rental fees (shoes, balls). Bowling centers may offer group events, such as birthday parties or corporate gatherings.

Decline of Bowling

Despite status as one of the top participation sports in the US, bowling as a competitive and recreational activity has struggled to remain relevant to Americans.

Boutique Bowling

To further engage adults and redefine the image of bowling, some firms have adopted a boutique bowling model.

Industry size & Structure

The average bowling center operates out of a single location, employs about 24 workers, and generates about $1 million annually.

    • The US bowling center industry consists of about 2,800 companies that employ about 67,000 workers and generate $3 billion annually.
    • The industry includes about 3,795 certified individual bowling centers and just over 82,000 lanes, according to the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).
    • The bowling center industry is fragmented; the top 50 companies account for about 34% of industry revenue.
    • Large companies include Bowlero and smaller chains such as Pinstack and Splitsville.
                                  Industry Forecast
                                  Bowling Centers Industry Growth
                                  Source: Vertical IQ and Inforum

                                  Recent Developments

                                  Mar 5, 2024 - Discretionary Spending Expands
                                  • According to a recent ConsumerSignals survey by Deloitte, more discretionary categories, including recreation and entertainment, leisure travel, restaurants, and electronics, represented an estimated 22% share of consumer’s wallets in January, up slightly from a year ago. According to the Spending Intentions index, global total spending intentions remained consistent in January compared to December and were significantly higher than a year ago. Spending intentions have gradually returned to their 2021 levels after inflation curbed global spending confidence. The survey also revealed that over 60% of survey respondents reported their finances had either remained the same or improved in the past year, up from 58% a year ago.
                                  • The global bowling centers market is expected to grow to more than $15 billion by 2030, according to a new report by 360iResearch. The market was valued at $6.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9% from 2023 to 2030. The growth is being driven by increasing consumer demand for experiential and leisure activities. Bowling operators can diversify offerings by introducing live music or virtual reality experiences to attract a broader customer base. However, the industry faces challenges such as high operational costs, which include equipment maintenance, labor, and real estate. North America and Europe are already well-established bowling markets with steady and moderate growth predicted. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region presents a growth opportunity for the bowling centers market due to a growing middle class and increasing interest in lifestyle-oriented leisure activities. Latin American countries also show gradual growth due to the expanding middle-class demographics and urbanization. Additionally, the Middle East presents potential for expansion, with higher investments in tourism and the entertainment sectors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
                                  • Consumer confidence levels fell in February 2024 after increasing for three consecutive months, according to data from The Conference Board. The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 106.7 in February 2024 from 110.9 in January 2024. According to Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, “The decline in consumer confidence in February interrupted a three-month rise, reflecting persistent uncertainty about the US economy. The drop in confidence was broad-based, affecting all income groups except households earning less than $15,000 and those earning more than $125,000.” Peterson added that the decline in consumer confidence was largest in householders over 55 and those under 35. Plans to purchase homes, autos, and large appliances decreased slightly on a six-month basis.
                                  • Bowling center operators will have to monitor minimum wage changes, as 22 states increased their minimum wages in January 2024, according to Chain Store Age. About half of the increases are automatic adjustments linked to inflation. States that raised their minimum wages in January 2024 include Hawaii ($14), Maryland ($15), Nebraska ($12), and Washington ($16.28). Several states are set to boost their minimum wage levels later this year, including Florida (up to $13 in September) and Nevada (up to $12 in July). According to the Economic Policy Institute, nearly 40 US cities and counties will increase their minimum wage rates above state levels at the start of the new year. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, and more than 20 states, primarily located in the South and the Midwest, use the federal minimum as their wage floor.
                                  Get A Demo

                                  Vertical IQ’s Industry Intelligence Platform

                                  See for yourself why over 60,000 users trust Vertical IQ for their industry research and call preparation needs. Our easy-to-digest industry insights save call preparation time and help differentiate you from the competition.

                                  Build valuable, lasting relationships by having smarter conversations -
                                  check out Vertical IQ today.

                                  Request A Demo