Looking to increase revenue at your bowling center? Learn how arcade games can attract new guests, boost dwell time, and generate high-margin income—with tips from the experts at Player One Amusement Group. Let's dive in.
Why Bowling and Arcades Make the Perfect Pair
Bowling is timeless. But if the only thing rolling in your center is a ball, you're missing out.
Arcades and bowling work incredibly well together. They appeal to overlapping—and entirely new—audiences. Done right, arcades drive longer visits, increase per-cap spend, and turn casual guests into loyal regulars.
At Player One Amusement Group, we help operators bring these two experiences together in a way that’s profitable, fun, and built for long-term success.
What Games Work Best in Bowling Centers?
Not every arcade game earns its keep in a bowling center. Here’s the kind of lineup we recommend to keep guests entertained and revenue flowing:
- Start with a top-tier racing game. Options like Mario Kart Arcade GP or Monster Kart are instant hits. They’re intuitive, competitive, and great for all ages.
- Add claw machines with real draw. Giant cranes like Taj Mahal, multiplayer claw games, or single-prize setups like Fantastic Prize add energy and visual excitement.
- Redemption games are a must. Think basketball shooters, coin pushers, carnival-style timing games—these keep guests engaged and coming back for just one more try.
- Sprinkle in variety. Shooters, a self-serve VR unit, and timeless classics like air hockey or foosball help round things out for a more complete arcade experience.
When you have the right mix, people linger. And when people linger, they spend.
Why Arcades Drive Real Business Growth
Arcades aren’t just “something extra.” They’re a legitimate way to grow revenue—especially when used to complement existing bowling operations.
Arcades in bowling centers:
- Increase average spend per guest
- Attract non-bowlers who still want to have fun
- Encourage longer stays (and more food & drink sales)
For example, at the soon-to-open Bowl’s & Blasters, the team is planning for both bowling and arcade entertainment from day one. We’re their arcade partner, and through our revenue share program, they’re set up to grow without taking on added complexity or cost.
Bowling Center Market Outlook
The bowling industry is experiencing a strong resurgence across North America, making it the perfect time to build, expand, or renovate.
In the U.S., the bowling market is projected to grow steadily—reaching over $1.4 billion USD by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%.
Canada’s indoor amusement center market, which includes bowling alleys, is also seeing rapid momentum, forecasted to grow from $2.97 billion in 2024 to over $5 billion by 2030—a CAGR of 9.5%.
Much of this growth is being driven by multipurpose venues that combine traditional attractions with modern entertainment, and arcades are leading the charge. In fact, bowling centers with well-curated arcade spaces are outperforming their lane-only counterparts when it comes to revenue per square foot.
For operators looking to future-proof their business and maximize ROI, there’s never been a better time to add or upgrade an arcade alongside your bowling experience.
How Much Space Should You Dedicate to an Arcade?
There’s no fixed ratio. Some centers aim for 30–40% arcade space, while others rethink their lane count to free up square footage for attractions like laser tag, mini golf—or a larger arcade.
It really comes down to:
- Who are your guests?
- What kind of experience do you want them to have?
- How long do you want them to stay?
We help partners figure that out—whether it’s a small arcade corner or a full-fledged attraction mix.
Don't Want to Run the Arcade Yourself? We Get It.
Operating an arcade is more than setting up machines. You’ve got to:
- Pick the right games
- Keep them running
- Manage inventory and prizes
- Refresh the mix regularly
- Watch performance and rotate games accordingly
That’s where our revenue share program comes in.
You provide the space. We do the rest. That includes:
- Equipment supply and installation
- Game layout and optimization
- Ongoing maintenance and tech support
- Prize strategy and fulfillment
- Card payment systems
- Reporting and performance tracking
- Marketing support
- And more.
And we split the revenue. Simple, low-risk, and no operational headaches.
Let’s Connect at Bowl Expo 2025 - Booth 511
We’ll be at Bowl Expo (Booth #511), connecting with operators from across North America who are looking to modernize their entertainment mix, add new revenue streams, talk about our revenue share program, or see what’s working in today’s FEC landscape.
Stop by and let’s talk about how the right arcade mix can help your center thrive.
