Bowling Market Size & Share, Growth, Global Trends, Forecast 2034

Bowling Industry Prospective:

The global bowling market size was worth around USD 4.02 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 6.01 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 4.10% between 2025 and 2034.

Request Free Sample

Bowling Market: Overview

Bowling is a sports event. It involves the use of a heavy bowl, which is rolled down a dedicated path toward specifically placed objects called pins. The aim of the game is to knock down more pins than your opponents in a game. Bowling can often be confused with other sports, such as lawn bowls or bowls, which are significantly different in terms of activities involved while playing the games. According to market research, bowling has various types.

However, the most commonly played form is ten-pin. Some other variations include five-pin, duckpin, nine-pin, candlepin, and skittles. The differences in the gaming variation are in the framework of each game type. Bowling is a widely played form of entertainment around the world. Bowling centers are especially found in shopping malls and other entertainment centers.

In addition to this, several countries also host bowling competitions on a larger scale, attracting several players. During the forecast period, demand for bowling is expected to continue growing with factors such as rapid urbanization and a surge in awareness. However, the sport of bowling is not as widespread as some other mainstream indoor sports and may witness fragmented growth during the forecast period.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global bowling market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 4.10% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global bowling market size was valued at around USD 4.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.01 billion by 2034.
• The bowling market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to urbanization and growing awareness.
• Based on the lane material, the synthetic lane segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the end-user, the shopping malls segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, North America is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Bowling Market: Growth Drivers

Urbanization and growing awareness to propel market growth rate during the forecast period

The global bowling market is expected to be driven by the rising rate of urbanization across the globe. The movement of people seeking new employment opportunities, better educational facilities, or any other reason to move to more urban areas is called urbanization. According to an official estimate by the United Nations, around 7 in 10 people will be living in urbanized regions by 2050. Emerging countries, such as African nations, India, and China, among others, have registered higher rates of urbanization compared to other economies.

As more people move to relatively more developed areas of the economy, they are likely to have higher access to popular sports such as bowling. Furthermore, raising awareness about different modern and popular indoor sports will further help the industry thrive in the coming years. In March 2025, Army Emergency Relief (AER), the nonprofit segment of the US Army, kicked off its fundraising campaign with a game of bowling. AER provides monetary assistance of around USD 60 million to eligible soldiers every year.

Surge in the number of entertainment centers and shopping malls to create accelerated market expansion trends

Bowling areas are generally constructed within large entertainment facilities or shopping malls. This allows bowling center management to gain access to a large number of patrons with minimal marketing. Additionally, the surge in the number of shopping mall visitors, especially during special days or holidays, has encouraged more investments in the construction of indoor sports areas such as bowling centers. In a recent event, Macerich, a US-based real estate developer, announced an investment of USD 100 million to renovate the existing Green Acres Mall.

New experiences in the entertainment facility will include experience-focused tenants and family entertainment. Popular Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are investing in the development of state-of-the-art shopping malls. For instance, the Nad Al Sheba Mall in Dubai is currently spread across 500,000 square feet. Investments in the infrastructure development process will escalate revenue in the global bowling market.

Bowling Market: Restraints

High expenses related to the construction of bowling centers affect overall revenue in the industry

The global bowling industry is projected to be restricted by the high expenses associated with the development of bowling centers. According to industry analysis, the cost of constructing a bowling site can range between USD 250,000 and over a million dollars, depending on the size of the facility and activities offered. Furthermore, ongoing expenses in maintaining and upgrading bowling sites add to the overall cost-related burdens on the facility owners.

Bowling Market: Opportunities

Rising scale of bowling competitions to generate growth opportunities for market players

The global bowling market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising scale of bowling competitions worldwide. In November 2024, India commenced hosting the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce & Bowling Competition in New Delhi. The event hosted athletes from the Asia Pacific with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

According to official reports, more than 81 athletes from across Asian countries participated in the tournament. Between 9th and 10th May 2025, Turkish Airlines is expected to host the grand finale of the ongoing 13th Annual Global Bowling Tournament. Turkish Airlines holds the Guinness World Record for the highest number of international flights. The bowling tournament has attracted nearly 23 travel companies, with the final scheduled for May 2025 in Istanbul.

In April 2025, the CW Network, a US-based commercial broadcast television network, signed a multi-year agreement with the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA). The broadcasting company, Beijing, in 2026, will air 10 live professional bowling events per year on consecutive Sunday afternoons across a two-hour window. Bowling competitions, especially on a professional scale, are gaining more momentum, which will prove beneficial for the non-professional bowling sector as well during the forecast period.

Bowling Market: Challenges

Competition from other forms of indoor games and limited adoption to challenge market expansion

The global bowling industry is expected to be challenged by the rising competition from other forms of indoor games, such as pool, snooker, table tennis, darts, and others. The number of patrons of bowling is highly limited, as the sport does not enjoy popularity among major participants. The diversifying focus of sports players on other games may impact the industry’s final revenue.

Request Free Sample

Bowling Market: Report Scope

Bowling Market: Segmentation

The global bowling market is segmented based on lane material, end-user, and region.

Based on the lane material, the global market segments are synthetic lanes and wooden lanes. In 2024, the highest growth was listed in the synthetic lane segment, which dominated nearly 64.05% of the final revenue. The higher durability, consistency of playing surface, and low maintenance requirements are key factors for increased segmental revenue. The wooden segment is expected to generate a considerable growth rate during the forecast period.

Based on the end-user, the global market segments are entertainment centers, shopping malls, theme parks, and dedicated bowling centers. In 2024, the shopping malls segment accounted for nearly 55.01% of the global market share. Bowling areas located in shopping malls tend to attract more sports enthusiasts, as the centers offer an integrated experience in tandem with dining and shopping solutions. During the projection period, the theme park segment will generate a CAGR of nearly 7%.

Bowling Market: Regional Analysis

North America to continue its dominance during the projection period

The global bowling market is expected to be led by North America during the forecast period. In 2024, the region held dominance over 35.02% of the global revenue, with the US and Canada leading the regional market. The presence of a robust bowling infrastructure, combined with the increased popularity of the game as a recreational activity, is crucial to the region’s overall growth rate. Furthermore, the ongoing work on expanding bowling arenas and the sport's cultural significance may further aid the region's growth rate in the coming years.

According to the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), more than 67 million people in the country participated in bowling games in 2022. Asia-Pacific is projected to deliver significant results in the coming years. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.8% according to market research. The growing rate of urbanization across Asia-Pacific and increased demand for recreational games among the general population will aid regional growth. According to the Asian Bowling Federation, the Asia-Pacific region registered a nearly 35% increase in the number of bowling centers available across the region.

Bowling Market: Competitive Analysis

The global bowling market is led by players like:

• KR Strikeforce
• Brunswick Bowling Products LLC
• Ebonite International Inc.
• Roto Grip
• Hammer Bowling
• Lane Masters
• 900 Global
• Storm Products Inc.
• Track Bowling
• Bowltech International
• QubicaAMF Worldwide LLC
• Columbia 300
• Motiv Bowling
• Radical Bowling Technologies
• Dexter Bowling

The global bowling market is segmented as follows:

By Lane Material

• Synthetic Lane
• Wooden Lane

By End-User

• Entertainment Centers
• Shopping Malls
• Theme Parks
• Dedicated Bowling Centers

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa