Global Bowling Equipment Market Analysis & Forecast (2025–2036)
The global landscape of leisure and competitive sports is undergoing a significant transformation, with bowling emerging as a cornerstone of the "social entertainment" revolution. According to the latest strategic analysis by Western Market Research, the Global Bowling Equipment Market was valued at approximately USD 1,185.4 Million in 2025 and is expected to reach a valuation of USD 1,895.6 Million by the year 2036, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.35% globally.
Market Description
The bowling equipment market comprises a wide array of products essential for both the operation of bowling centers and the performance of individual players. This includes capital-intensive infrastructure such as automatic pinsetters, lane surfaces, and scoring systems, as well as consumer-facing goods like bowling balls, professional-grade footwear, and specialized bags.
Historically viewed as a traditional league-based sport, the industry has pivoted toward the Family Entertainment Center (FEC) and Boutique Bowling models. Modern bowling alleys are no longer just sports venues; they are integrated hospitality hubs featuring high-end dining, arcade zones, and bar services. This shift has revitalized the demand for high-tech, aesthetically pleasing equipment. Furthermore, advancements in material science—such as the development of reactive resin and urethane covers for bowling balls—have deepened the professional segment of the market, catering to a growing number of competitive athletes worldwide.
DROT Analysis (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Threats)
1. Drivers
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Rise of the Family Entertainment Centers (FECs): The global trend of "competitive socializing" is driving the construction of multi-activity venues where bowling is the primary anchor.
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Technological Integration: The move toward "Smart Lanes" featuring augmented reality (AR) overlays, automatic bumpers, and sophisticated cloud-based scoring systems is encouraging established centers to upgrade their aging infrastructure.
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Expansion of Professional Leagues: Increased media coverage of professional bowling tours (such as the PBA) has spurred interest among youth demographics, leading to higher retail sales of professional-grade balls and shoes.
2. Restraints
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High Initial Investment and Maintenance Costs: Setting up a bowling center requires significant capital for lane installation and machinery. High electricity and maintenance costs for pinsetters can act as a barrier to entry for small-scale entrepreneurs.
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Declining Traditional League Participation: While social bowling is up, the "traditional" weekly league model has seen a decline in some Western regions, impacting the frequency of high-end equipment replacement.
3. Opportunities
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Growth in Emerging Markets: Rapid urbanization in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions is creating a massive market for new bowling center installations in luxury malls.
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Eco-Friendly Product Innovation: There is a growing niche for sustainable equipment, such as bowling pins made from recycled materials or energy-efficient string-pinsetters that reduce power consumption.
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E-commerce and Customization: Online platforms allow for 3D-customized bowling balls and personalized gear, providing a significant avenue for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) growth.
4. Threats
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Alternative Virtual Entertainment: The rise of high-fidelity VR bowling games and e-sports can divert the attention of younger demographics away from physical bowling centers.
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Economic Volatility: Bowling is a discretionary spending activity. During economic downturns, both consumer spending on gear and corporate investment in new centers tend to contract.
Value Chain Analysis
The value chain for bowling equipment is characterized by a mix of heavy industrial manufacturing and high-precision consumer goods production:
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Raw Material Procurement: Sourcing of high-quality maple wood (for pins/lanes), synthetic polymers, polyester resins, and specialized leathers (for shoes).
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Manufacturing: This stage is divided into Capital Equipment (heavy machinery like pinsetters) and Consumer Goods (balls and accessories). Brands like Brunswick and QubicaAMF often dominate the industrial manufacturing side.
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Distribution Channels: Equipment moves through B2B channels for alley installations and B2C channels (Pro-shops, online, sports stores) for individual gear.
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After-Sales and Maintenance: A critical component of the value chain, involving the supply of lane oils, cleaning chemicals, and replacement parts for mechanical pinsetters.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic was particularly disruptive to the bowling industry due to its reliance on indoor social gatherings. In 2020, nearly 90% of bowling centers globally faced temporary closures, leading to a near-halt in capital equipment orders. However, the pandemic also triggered a "Home Bowling" niche and a surge in online retail for individual accessories. Since 2022, the market has seen a "revenge spending" effect, with a record number of bowling centers undergoing modernizing renovations to meet new hygiene and digital standards.
Global Bowling Equipment Market Segmentation
By Type
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Bowling Balls: Segmented into plastic (entry-level), urethane, and reactive resin (professional). This is the largest retail segment.
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Bowling Pins: Includes traditional wood-core pins and increasingly popular synthetic pins designed for higher durability.
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Bowling Accessories: Covers a wide range of products including Bowling Shoes, specialized bags, wrist supports, grip tapes, and lane maintenance chemicals.
By Application (Distribution Channel)
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Hypermarkets/Supermarkets: Primarily serves the recreational market, offering entry-level plastic balls and beginner kits.
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Specialty and Sports Stores (Pro-Shops): The go-to destination for competitive bowlers seeking custom-drilled balls and high-performance footwear.
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Online Stores: The fastest-growing segment, allowing users to compare technical specifications and access a wider variety of international brands.
Regional Analysis
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North America: The largest market globally, with the U.S. having the highest density of bowling centers and a robust professional infrastructure.
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Europe: A steady market with a focus on high-end boutique centers, particularly in the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia.
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Asia-Pacific: The region expected to witness the highest CAGR. China, India, and Vietnam are seeing a massive influx of bowling centers integrated into new commercial developments.
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Middle East & Africa: Growth is driven by the luxury entertainment sector in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where massive "Entertainment Cities" are being constructed.
Top Key Players Covered
The market is dominated by a few legacy giants alongside specialized performance brands:
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Murrey International: A premier provider of custom bowling center designs and high-quality lane equipment.
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QubicaAMF: One of the world’s largest manufacturers, leading the way in digital scoring systems and innovative pinsetter technology.
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US Bowling: Specializes in "made in the USA" equipment and is a leader in string-pinsetter technology.
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Champion Sports: A key player in the multi-sport equipment space, providing durable bowling products for schools and recreational centers.
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Brunswick Bowling: An industry titan that covers everything from ball manufacturing to complete lane installations.
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Ebonite: A legendary brand in the bowling ball sector, known for high-performance reactive resin technology.
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Storm Products: Widely considered the "high-performance" leader, known for scented bowling balls and innovative core designs.
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Dexter Shoe Company: The undisputed leader in bowling footwear, providing professional-grade shoes with interchangeable soles and heels.
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Strikeforce (KR Strikeforce): A dominant player in the bowling bag and accessory market.
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Moxy Bowling: An emerging brand focusing on stylish, high-quality gear for the modern competitive bowler.
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Radical Bowling Technologies: Known for pushing the boundaries of ball core physics and asymmetrical designs.
Market Outlook
The future of the Global Bowling Equipment Market is undeniably Digital and Hybrid. By 2036, we expect the standard bowling lane to be a fully interactive environment. String Pinsetters are likely to become the global industry standard due to their lower maintenance requirements and energy efficiency, despite initial resistance from traditionalists.
Furthermore, the "Gamification" of bowling through mobile app integration—where players can track their stats globally and compete in virtual tournaments while at a physical lane—will drive consistent engagement. As the industry continues to merge with the broader hospitality and technology sectors, the market is poised for robust, long-term growth, appealing to both the elite athlete and the casual weekend visitor.
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1. Market Overview of Bowling Equipments
1.1 Bowling Equipments Market Overview
1.1.1 Bowling Equipments Product Scope
1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook
1.2 Bowling Equipments Market Size by Regions:
1.3 Bowling Equipments Historic Market Size by Regions
1.4 Bowling Equipments Forecasted Market Size by Regions
1.5 Covid-19 Impact on Key Regions, Keyword Market Size YoY Growth
1.5.1 North America
1.5.2 East Asia
1.5.3 Europe
1.5.4 South Asia
1.5.5 Southeast Asia
1.5.6 Middle East
1.5.7 Africa
1.5.8 Oceania
1.5.9 South America
1.5.10 Rest of the World
1.6 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Impact Will Have a Severe Impact on Global Growth
1.6.1 Covid-19 Impact: Global GDP Growth, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Projections
1.6.2 Covid-19 Impact: Commodity Prices Indices
1.6.3 Covid-19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
2. Covid-19 Impact Bowling Equipments Sales Market by Type
2.1 Global Bowling Equipments Historic Market Size by Type
2.2 Global Bowling Equipments Forecasted Market Size by Type
2.3 Bowling Balls
2.4 Bowling Pins
2.5 Bowling Accessories
3. Covid-19 Impact Bowling Equipments Sales Market by Application
3.1 Global Bowling Equipments Historic Market Size by Application
3.2 Global Bowling Equipments Forecasted Market Size by Application
3.3 Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
3.4 Specialty and Sports Stores
3.5 Online Stores
4. Covid-19 Impact Market Competition by Manufacturers
4.1 Global Bowling Equipments Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers
4.2 Global Bowling Equipments Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers
4.3 Global Bowling Equipments Average Price by Manufacturers
5. Company Profiles and Key Figures in Bowling Equipments Business
5.1 Murrey International
5.1.1 Murrey International Company Profile
5.1.2 Murrey International Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.1.3 Murrey International Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.2 QubicaAMF
5.2.1 QubicaAMF Company Profile
5.2.2 QubicaAMF Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.2.3 QubicaAMF Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.3 US Bowling
5.3.1 US Bowling Company Profile
5.3.2 US Bowling Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.3.3 US Bowling Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.4 Champion Sports
5.4.1 Champion Sports Company Profile
5.4.2 Champion Sports Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.4.3 Champion Sports Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.5 Brunswick Bowling
5.5.1 Brunswick Bowling Company Profile
5.5.2 Brunswick Bowling Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.5.3 Brunswick Bowling Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.6 Ebonite
5.6.1 Ebonite Company Profile
5.6.2 Ebonite Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.6.3 Ebonite Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.7 Storm Products
5.7.1 Storm Products Company Profile
5.7.2 Storm Products Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.7.3 Storm Products Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.8 Dexter Shoe Company
5.8.1 Dexter Shoe Company Company Profile
5.8.2 Dexter Shoe Company Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.8.3 Dexter Shoe Company Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.9 Strikeforce
5.9.1 Strikeforce Company Profile
5.9.2 Strikeforce Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.9.3 Strikeforce Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.10 Moxy Bowling
5.10.1 Moxy Bowling Company Profile
5.10.2 Moxy Bowling Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.10.3 Moxy Bowling Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.11 Radical Bowling Technologies
5.11.1 Radical Bowling Technologies Company Profile
5.11.2 Radical Bowling Technologies Bowling Equipments Product Specification
5.11.3 Radical Bowling Technologies Bowling Equipments Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
6. North America
6.1 North America Bowling Equipments Market Size
6.2 North America Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
6.3 North America Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
6.4 North America Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
7. East Asia
7.1 East Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size
7.2 East Asia Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
7.3 East Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
7.4 East Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
8. Europe
8.1 Europe Bowling Equipments Market Size
8.2 Europe Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
8.3 Europe Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
8.4 Europe Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
9. South Asia
9.1 South Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size
9.2 South Asia Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
9.3 South Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
9.4 South Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
10. Southeast Asia
10.1 Southeast Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size
10.2 Southeast Asia Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
10.3 Southeast Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
10.4 Southeast Asia Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
11. Middle East
11.1 Middle East Bowling Equipments Market Size
11.2 Middle East Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
11.3 Middle East Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
11.4 Middle East Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
12. Africa
12.1 Africa Bowling Equipments Market Size
12.2 Africa Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
12.3 Africa Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
12.4 Africa Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
13. Oceania
13.1 Oceania Bowling Equipments Market Size
13.2 Oceania Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
13.3 Oceania Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
13.4 Oceania Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
14. South America
14.1 South America Bowling Equipments Market Size
14.2 South America Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
14.3 South America Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
14.4 South America Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
15. Rest of the World
15.1 Rest of the World Bowling Equipments Market Size
15.2 Rest of the World Bowling Equipments Key Players in North America
15.3 Rest of the World Bowling Equipments Market Size by Type
15.4 Rest of the World Bowling Equipments Market Size by Application
16 Bowling Equipments Market Dynamics
16.1 Covid-19 Impact Market Top Trends
16.2 Covid-19 Impact Market Drivers
16.3 Covid-19 Impact Market Challenges
16.4 Porter
Global Bowling Equipment Market Segmentation
By Type
-
Bowling Balls: Segmented into plastic (entry-level), urethane, and reactive resin (professional). This is the largest retail segment.
-
Bowling Pins: Includes traditional wood-core pins and increasingly popular synthetic pins designed for higher durability.
-
Bowling Accessories: Covers a wide range of products including Bowling Shoes, specialized bags, wrist supports, grip tapes, and lane maintenance chemicals.
By Application (Distribution Channel)
-
Hypermarkets/Supermarkets: Primarily serves the recreational market, offering entry-level plastic balls and beginner kits.
-
Specialty and Sports Stores (Pro-Shops): The go-to destination for competitive bowlers seeking custom-drilled balls and high-performance footwear.
-
Online Stores: The fastest-growing segment, allowing users to compare technical specifications and access a wider variety of international brands.
Regional Analysis
-
North America: The largest market globally, with the U.S. having the highest density of bowling centers and a robust professional infrastructure.
-
Europe: A steady market with a focus on high-end boutique centers, particularly in the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia.
-
Asia-Pacific: The region expected to witness the highest CAGR. China, India, and Vietnam are seeing a massive influx of bowling centers integrated into new commercial developments.
-
Middle East & Africa: Growth is driven by the luxury entertainment sector in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where massive "Entertainment Cities" are being constructed.
Top Key Players Covered
The market is dominated by a few legacy giants alongside specialized performance brands:
-
Murrey International: A premier provider of custom bowling center designs and high-quality lane equipment.
-
QubicaAMF: One of the world’s largest manufacturers, leading the way in digital scoring systems and innovative pinsetter technology.
-
US Bowling: Specializes in "made in the USA" equipment and is a leader in string-pinsetter technology.
-
Champion Sports: A key player in the multi-sport equipment space, providing durable bowling products for schools and recreational centers.
-
Brunswick Bowling: An industry titan that covers everything from ball manufacturing to complete lane installations.
-
Ebonite: A legendary brand in the bowling ball sector, known for high-performance reactive resin technology.
-
Storm Products: Widely considered the "high-performance" leader, known for scented bowling balls and innovative core designs.
-
Dexter Shoe Company: The undisputed leader in bowling footwear, providing professional-grade shoes with interchangeable soles and heels.
-
Strikeforce (KR Strikeforce): A dominant player in the bowling bag and accessory market.
-
Moxy Bowling: An emerging brand focusing on stylish, high-quality gear for the modern competitive bowler.
-
Radical Bowling Technologies: Known for pushing the boundaries of ball core physics and asymmetrical designs.
