In the
United States of America there were 10% more bowlers in 1993 than 1980. This change has been accompanied by a 40% drop in the number of
league bowlers. More and more people are thus choosing to bowl alone. Shifting trends in American bowling are an important
social indicator since 80 million Americans go bowling each year. That’s almost a third of the total
population and almost a third more than the
voter turnout for the 1994
congressional elections. Even with the dropping participation, 3% of Americans belong to a
bowling league
Solo bowlers consume far less
pizza and
beer of average than those who bowl in leagues. This is worrisome news for
bowling alley owners. Apparently, the
profit margin on actual bowling (including shoe and ball rentals) is quite low. Think about the
rent on those enormous
alleys. The money is to be made in the accompanying
food and
alcohol sales.