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Duckpin Bowling's Big Moment: Impressive Revenue From a Small Footprint
BCM (Bowling Center Management) magazine explored the duckpin boom in its March 2026 issue, "Quacks Like a Cash Register." Here's a look at the story—and where Brunswick fits in.
Duckpin bowling has been around for more than 100 years, but since 2021 an entertainment-focused version has spread rapidly into non-traditional spaces—hotels, resorts, bars, restaurants, movie theaters, cruise ships, and more. BCM's March 2026 feature examines why the format is booming and why proprietors are taking notice.
Kris Des Roches, director of new business development for Brunswick Bowling, sums up the momentum in the piece: "It's been fun. It's been growing exponentially every year. We've seen double-digit growth in the duckpin world." He adds that fewer barriers to entry—no rental shoes, no need to find a ball that fits your hand—make it a format younger guests love.
Key takeaways from the article:
- Big revenue, small footprint. The new duckpin lanes are shorter and raised with no approaches, generally occupying just 20 to 40 feet—translating into lower installation and maintenance costs and faster games.
- Accessible to everyone. Shorter lanes and smaller balls mean most people hit pins on every shot, making it fun across three generations.
- A growing marketplace. Collectively, the major players have installed between 2,500 and 3,000 lanes worldwide, in venues ranging from two to twenty lanes.
- Brunswick's approach. Integrated with Sync, Brunswick Duckpin solutions give proprietors the control, scalability, and operational confidence to maximize revenue while delivering a modern, social-first experience. According to the company, Duckpin Social venues typically generate $200 per square foot in bowling revenue, with food-and-beverage spend per bowling dollar one to three times higher, a typical payback period of nine to 12 months, and a 300%+ five-year ROI.
For traditional centers looking to redevelop or add a new attraction, having two types of bowling under one roof opens up endless marketing opportunities.
Read the full feature from BCM magazine here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Since 2021, an entertainment-focused version has spread to non-traditional venues such as hotels, bars, restaurants, and resorts. Brunswick's Kris Des Roches notes double-digit year-over-year growth, driven by low barriers to entry and an accessible, social experience that younger guests love.
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The new duckpin lanes are shorter and raised with no approaches, generally occupying just 20 to 40 feet from the foul line to the back of the pin deck. That smaller footprint means lower installation and maintenance costs and faster game cycle
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According to Brunswick, Duckpin Social venues typically generate $200 per square foot in bowling revenue, with food-and-beverage spend per bowling dollar one to three times higher. Fast game cycles support a typical payback period of nine to 12 months and a 300%-plus five-year ROI.
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Integrated with Sync, Brunswick Duckpin solutions give proprietors the control, scalability, and operational confidence needed to maximize revenue while delivering a modern, social-first experience—attracting casual players, groups, and first-time bowlers who drive higher participation and longer stays.
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