GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Bowling Industry Statistics

The bowling industry has seen a decline in participation rates in recent years, but has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to new entertainment offerings and increased focus on customer experience.

Highlights: Bowling Industry Statistics

  • As of 2021, there are more than 4,000 bowling centers in the United States.
  • The total revenue of the U.S. bowling industry in 2021 was approximately $4 billion.
  • In 2019, the average revenue per bowling alley in the US was $405,703.
  • The U.S. bowling centers industry has an employment rate of 69,786 as per 2021 data.
  • Over 70 million people bowl at least one game a year.
  • The bowling industry's annual spend on pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is about $5k - $100k.
  • In 2020, the global bowling market’s total revenue dropped to around 3.44 billion U.S. dollars, a nearly 50 percent decrease from the previous year.
  • As of 2016, 67% of people in the U.S. who bowl are not in a league.
  • In 2019 the women's and men's championships awarded a combined $2.9 million in scholarships from the United States Bowling Congress.
  • There are over 1,500 professional and amateur bowling tournaments held in the United States each year.
  • Around 2 million people are part of a bowling league in the United States.
  • Over 90% of regular bowlers vote, suggesting bowlers are more active in their communities than average American citizens.
  • Approximately 35% of bowlers come from households with over $100k income each year.
  • On average, people bowl 20 times per year.
  • Bowling is a $10 billion industry.
  • The most popular age group for bowling is 6-17, followed by 25-34.
  • 95 million people from over 90 countries bowl each year, making bowling the largest participation sport in the world.
  • Over half of bowlers are women, and a third are under the age of 34.
  • 21% of United States adults participated in bowling in 2019.
  • The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the bowling industry from 2020 to 2027.

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The Latest Bowling Industry Statistics Explained

As of 2021, there are more than 4,000 bowling centers in the United States.

The statistic that there are more than 4,000 bowling centers in the United States as of 2021 highlights the widespread popularity and presence of this recreational activity across the country. Bowling has been a popular pastime in the United States for decades, providing entertainment for individuals and families of all ages. The large number of bowling centers indicates the significant demand for bowling as a leisure activity, as well as the economic impact it has in terms of creating jobs, generating revenue, and contributing to the overall entertainment industry. Additionally, the widespread availability of bowling centers showcases the accessibility of this activity to a diverse range of communities, further solidifying its status as a beloved recreational pursuit in the United States.

The total revenue of the U.S. bowling industry in 2021 was approximately $4 billion.

The statistic stating that the total revenue of the U.S. bowling industry in 2021 was approximately $4 billion represents the sum of all income generated within the industry during the specified time period. This revenue figure encompasses revenues from sources such as bowling alley admissions, shoe rentals, sales of equipment and merchandise, food and beverage sales, league fees, sponsorships, and any other revenue streams related to the operation of bowling businesses in the U.S. This statistic provides valuable insight into the economic importance and scale of the bowling industry in the country, highlighting its significant contribution to the overall economy and consumer spending patterns.

In 2019, the average revenue per bowling alley in the US was $405,703.

This statistic indicates that in the year 2019, the average revenue generated by each bowling alley in the United States was $405,703. This figure represents the total revenue earned by all bowling alleys in the US divided by the number of bowling alleys in operation during that year. The average revenue per bowling alley is a useful metric for understanding the financial performance of the industry as a whole. It suggests that, on average, bowling alleys in the US were able to generate this amount of revenue, serving as a benchmark for evaluating the success and profitability of individual businesses within the industry.

The U.S. bowling centers industry has an employment rate of 69,786 as per 2021 data.

The statistic that the U.S. bowling centers industry has an employment rate of 69,786 as of 2021 indicates the total number of people employed within this specific industry in the United States. This figure includes individuals working in various roles within bowling centers, such as management, operations, customer service, and maintenance. The employment rate provides insight into the labor market within the bowling industry, showcasing the level of workforce participation and the economic contribution of this sector to the overall economy. Understanding this statistic can help policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders make informed decisions regarding workforce development, industry growth, and related economic opportunities within the bowling centers industry.

Over 70 million people bowl at least one game a year.

The statistic “Over 70 million people bowl at least one game a year” suggests that bowling is a popular recreational and leisure activity among a substantial portion of the population. This figure indicates a significant level of participation in the sport, highlighting its widespread appeal and accessibility to individuals across different age groups and backgrounds. The large number of people engaging in bowling annually also reflects the presence of bowling alleys and facilities in various communities, providing ample opportunities for individuals to partake in this social and physically active pastime.

The bowling industry’s annual spend on pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is about $5k – $100k.

This statistic indicates that the bowling industry’s expenditure on pay-per-click (PPC) advertising ranges from $5,000 to $100,000 per year. The wide range in spending suggests that different companies within the bowling industry allocate varying budgets towards online advertising efforts through PPC campaigns. Factors influencing this spending range could include the size and scale of the bowling businesses, their specific marketing goals, competition within the industry, and the overall marketing strategies employed. Companies investing closer to the $100,000 mark likely prioritize digital advertising as a key component of their marketing strategy to attract customers and drive business growth, while those at the lower end of the range may have more limited resources or focus on other marketing channels.

In 2020, the global bowling market’s total revenue dropped to around 3.44 billion U.S. dollars, a nearly 50 percent decrease from the previous year.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the global bowling market experienced a significant decline in total revenue, dropping to approximately 3.44 billion U.S. dollars. This represents a substantial decrease of nearly 50 percent compared to the revenue generated in the previous year. The sharp decline in revenue suggests that the industry faced challenges and disruptions, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions on indoor activities and gatherings. The dramatic decrease in revenue highlights the economic impact that external factors can have on industries dependent on in-person participation and underscores the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

As of 2016, 67% of people in the U.S. who bowl are not in a league.

In 2016, it was found that a significant majority, 67% of individuals in the United States who engage in the activity of bowling do not participate in a formal bowling league. This statistic suggests that the majority of bowlers in the U.S. prefer to bowl casually or recreationally rather than competitively within a structured league setting. The information highlights the diverse ways in which individuals choose to engage with the sport of bowling, showcasing a mix of both casual and competitive participation among the population.

In 2019 the women’s and men’s championships awarded a combined $2.9 million in scholarships from the United States Bowling Congress.

In 2019, the United States Bowling Congress awarded a total of $2.9 million in scholarships through the women’s and men’s championships. This statistic indicates a significant investment by the USBC in supporting the education of young bowlers across the country, showcasing their commitment to fostering academic and athletic excellence in the bowling community. By offering scholarships through both the women’s and men’s championships, the USBC is promoting equality and inclusivity in their support for aspiring bowlers, regardless of gender. This substantial amount of scholarship funds highlights the USBC’s dedication to helping student-athletes achieve their academic and athletic goals, paving the way for their future success both on and off the bowling lanes.

There are over 1,500 professional and amateur bowling tournaments held in the United States each year.

The statistic that there are over 1,500 professional and amateur bowling tournaments held in the United States each year indicates a significant level of interest and participation in the sport of bowling across the country. This high number of tournaments suggests a strong and active bowling community, both among competitive professional bowlers and casual amateur players. The diverse range of tournaments, catering to different skill levels and interests, provides ample opportunities for bowlers of all backgrounds to engage in the sport and test their abilities. The frequency of these tournaments also speaks to the popularity and widespread presence of bowling as a recreational and competitive activity in the United States, highlighting the sport’s appeal to a broad audience.

Around 2 million people are part of a bowling league in the United States.

The statistic that approximately 2 million people are involved in a bowling league in the United States provides insight into the popularity and widespread participation in this recreational activity. Bowling leagues serve as a form of social engagement and competition for individuals of varying ages and skill levels, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. The number of people involved in bowling leagues signifies the enduring appeal of this sport and its ability to bring people together for leisure and friendly competition. Additionally, the statistic highlights the significant impact that bowling has on the recreational pastimes of Americans nationwide, showing its continued relevance in today’s society.

Over 90% of regular bowlers vote, suggesting bowlers are more active in their communities than average American citizens.

The statistic “over 90% of regular bowlers vote, suggesting bowlers are more active in their communities than average American citizens” implies that a higher proportion of regular bowlers engage in the civic duty of voting compared to the general population. Voting is considered a fundamental aspect of active citizenship, indicating a level of engagement and investment in the democratic process. The statistic suggests that individuals who participate in regular bowling are more likely to be involved in their communities and demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards shaping the collective decisions that impact society. This observation hints at a potential correlation between the leisure activity of bowling and civic engagement, possibly pointing towards a unique characteristic or shared values among regular bowlers that prioritize community involvement.

Approximately 35% of bowlers come from households with over $100k income each year.

This statistic states that around 35% of bowlers belong to households that have an annual income exceeding $100,000. This suggests that a significant portion of individuals who participate in bowling activities come from relatively affluent backgrounds. Higher household incomes may be indicative of greater disposable income, potentially enabling individuals to afford leisure activities like bowling. Such insights into the demographics of bowlers can be valuable for targeting marketing strategies, improving facilities and services, and understanding the consumer behavior of this specific demographic group within the context of the bowling industry.

On average, people bowl 20 times per year.

This statistic means that, on average, individuals engage in the activity of bowling 20 times within a one-year time frame. It provides insight into the frequency at which people participate in bowling as a recreational activity or hobby. By calculating the average number of times people go bowling per year, we can understand the general frequency of this leisure activity within the population. This statistic can help bowling alleys, businesses, and organizations related to the sport to better understand the demand and popularity of bowling among the general public, which can inform marketing strategies, facility management, and resource allocation.

Bowling is a $10 billion industry.

The statistic “Bowling is a $10 billion industry” represents the estimated total revenue generated by the bowling industry within a given time period, typically a year. This figure consists of the combined sales from various facets of the industry, including bowling alleys, equipment sales, leagues, tournaments, and related services. The $10 billion valuation reflects the economic significance of bowling as a recreational activity and competitive sport, highlighting its widespread popularity and financial impact on both businesses and consumers within the industry. This statistic not only quantifies the industry’s monetary value but also underscores its contribution to the overall economy through job creation, tax revenue, and ancillary businesses that benefit from the bowling industry.

The most popular age group for bowling is 6-17, followed by 25-34.

This statistic reveals that the age group of 6-17 and 25-34 are the most popular among bowlers, indicating a contrast between younger individuals and those in early adulthood. The prominence of 6-17 year olds suggests that bowling is a favored activity among children and teenagers, possibly because it provides a fun and social recreational outlet. On the other hand, the popularity of the 25-34 age group may be attributed to young adults seeking entertainment options that offer a mix of enjoyment and social interaction. This information could be valuable for bowling alley operators and marketers looking to tailor their offerings and promotions to these target age demographics to attract more patrons and enhance the overall bowling experience for these age groups.

95 million people from over 90 countries bowl each year, making bowling the largest participation sport in the world.

The statistic that 95 million people from over 90 countries bowl each year highlights the widespread popularity and appeal of bowling as a participation sport across the globe. With such a vast number of individuals engaging in bowling activities annually, it establishes bowling as the largest participation sport in the world. This statistic reflects the universal nature of bowling as a recreational activity that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing people together from various backgrounds to enjoy the sport. The high participation rate also signifies the social and competitive aspects of bowling that attract a diverse range of individuals, contributing to its position as a leading recreational pursuit worldwide.

Over half of bowlers are women, and a third are under the age of 34.

This statistic indicates that there is a significant representation of women in the sport of bowling, comprising over half of all bowlers. Additionally, it suggests that bowling is popular among younger individuals, with a third of bowlers being under the age of 34. These findings highlight a positive trend towards gender diversity in the bowling community and appeal to a younger demographic, potentially indicating that efforts to attract a broader range of participants to the sport have been successful. The statistics may also imply opportunities for targeted marketing strategies to further engage women and younger bowlers in the sport.

21% of United States adults participated in bowling in 2019.

The statistic stating that 21% of United States adults participated in bowling in 2019 signifies the proportion of the adult population in the United States that engaged in bowling activities during that year. This statistic provides insight into the popularity and level of interest in bowling as a recreational activity among adults in the country. By understanding the percentage of adults who took part in bowling, it offers valuable information for businesses in the bowling industry, policymakers, sports organizations, and marketers to tailor their strategies and programs to meet the demands and preferences of this segment of the population. Furthermore, trends and changes in this statistic over time can also help assess the influence of factors such as demographic shifts, economic conditions, and cultural trends on participation in bowling.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the bowling industry from 2020 to 2027.

The statistic suggests that the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth rate in the bowling industry compared to other regions between 2020 and 2027. This indicates a positive trend and potential opportunity for growth and development within the industry in countries within this region. Factors such as increasing disposable income, changing leisure preferences, and a growing middle class population could be contributing to this anticipated growth. Businesses within the bowling industry may consider expanding or investing in the Asia Pacific region to take advantage of this projected growth trajectory.

Conclusion

The bowling industry statistics present a fascinating insight into the popularity and trends within this recreational activity. With a wide range of data points highlighting the number of bowling participants, revenue generated, and emerging market trends, businesses and enthusiasts alike can leverage this information to make informed decisions and drive future growth in the industry. By staying abreast of the latest statistics and adapting to changing consumer preferences, the bowling industry can continue to thrive and evolve in the years to come.

References

0. – https://www.bpaa.com

1. – https://www.www.bowl.com

2. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

3. – https://www.www.spyfu.com

4. – https://www.www.whitehutchinson.com

5. – https://www.www.statista.com

6. – https://www.www.bccresearch.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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