Pool Tables Market

Market Overview

The global pool tables market was worth USD 265.76 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 401.01 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2023–2031). 

A table with six pockets along the rails into which balls are dropped is used for the cue sport known as pool. The more well-known pool games are eight-ball, blackball, nine-ball, ten-ball, seven-ball, straight pool, one-pocket, and bank pool. Each pool game has its unique name. One of the many well-liked cue sports is the pool, which involves striking variously colored balls on a table with a stick called a cue. Billiards and snooker are now frequently referred to collectively as the pool. Recently, interest in pool tables has increased due to the millennial generation's rising preference for cue games. Both macroeconomic and microeconomic issues impact the global pool tables market.

Mass urbanization and financial development in developing nations are two macroeconomic drivers driving the pool table industry. These developments raised the number of pool clubs and sparked interest in the game among a broad spectrum of people worldwide. Product development that is in line with consumer loyalty is one of the significant microeconomic factors influencing the growth of the pool table market. In addition, increasing demand for pool tables in office settings to decompress from stressful occupations may promote market expansion.

Market Dynamics

Drivers:

• Soaring Demand for Recreational Activities

Recreational activities are frequently done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are regarded as fun. The games and sports such as snooker, billiards, and carom are becoming popular nowadays. All these games are played at leisure in homes. Due to the widespread popularity of cue sports and other recreational activities, the need for pool tables is predicted to increase. The market for pool tables will experience growth due to support from various sports associations during the forecast period.

• Growing Popularity of Indoor Games

The indoor game is a structured competitive physical activity typically in specially constructed indoor facilities or at home. Snooker and pool are played on a sizable, flat, cloth-covered table with six pockets. The only difference is that the pool table size is much bigger than the snooker table. In these games, the cue ball, which is struck with the tip of a stick called a cue, is used by each player to try to pot the balls. As a result, pool tables' residential and commercial use has increased tremendously, propelling the pool table market during the forecast period.

Restraint:

• High Expenses Incurred in the Manufacturing of Pool Tables

The pool is both a leisure activity and a competitive sport. A pool table must be chosen at the discretion of the individual. Pool tables were designed in different styles based on the era of manufacture and the materials available locally. The change occurred through the evolution of the game's rules. Originally made of slate, pool tables are now made of metal and wood, with velvet cushions to add an excellent aesthetic value. This has added an extra cost for manufacturers.

The cost of raw materials used to make pool tables, like slate, wood, and cloth, highly influences the final product's price. Furthermore, most pool table manufacturers charge extra for shipping and installation, increasing the pool table prices for the customer. The high expense of manufacturing the pool table will hamper the growth of the pool table market.

Opportunities:

• Growing E-Commerce Platforms

An e-commerce platform is a complete software solution that enables online merchants to control their operations. Nowadays, people are buying products through various online platforms. Consumers prefer e-commerce platforms to purchase bulky and heavy products like pool tables. This helps consumers to save time and energy. Therefore, people are shifting their buying preferences from traditional sales channels to online sales channels. This will enable retailers to save costs incurred in logistics and transportation by increasing profit in return. Consequently, growing e-commerce platforms will boost the pool table market during the forecast period.

• Increasing disposable income

 The global market for pool tables is expected to be driven by increases in disposable population income throughout the forecast period. Increased personal income allows people to spend more on consumer durables and equipment. Moreover, It is anticipated that increased consumer and brand awareness of sports equipment will increase demand for luxury pool tables.  
One key element fueling the global expansion of the pool table market is an increase in consumers' disposable income. It is anticipated that rising purchasing power in developing nations like Australia, the EU, Mexico, Brazil, India, Thailand, and China will enable customers to spend more on upscale entertainment equipment like pool tables. According to OCED, household expenditure totaled 1,021,459.5, 9,241,095.5, 139,229.8, 10,785,281.3, 1,561,879.9, and 2,288,541.1 US$ million in Canada, China, Denmark, European Union, France, and Germany, respectively. Additionally, the expanding investment in residential properties like houses, villas, and other residential types results from rising purchasing power. It is a factor in the rise in demand for pool tables.

Regional Analysis

The global pool tables market share is primarily classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America dominates the global pool table market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. Due to expected improvements in macroeconomic conditions, revenue for the pool tables market is expected to recover mildly over the next five years. Indeed, the economy in the US is likely to improve over the next five years, with unemployment remaining low. Furthermore, per capita disposable income is expected to rise further, boosting discretionary spending on leisure and recreational activities such as pool table market services. Due to increasing consumer purchasing power and many associations promoting the sport, the region accounted for the most significant global pool tables market revenue.

The Europe pool tables market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7%, generating USD 98 million during the forecast period. Both macroeconomic and microeconomic factors are anticipated to continue influencing the pool table industry in Europe. Mass urbanization and economic expansion led to an increase in the number of pool clubs and a growing interest in the sport among a variety of people throughout the world. Product innovation combined with customer satisfaction is one of the vital microeconomic factors driving the growth of the pool table market in Europe. 

Asia-Pacific pool tables market is primarily driven by the interest in cue sports and a significant increase in indoor sports. Customers' high disposable income levels and the development of malls and commercial complexes for pools and billiards are expected to drive the demand for pool tables. Competitions among players to increase participation, as well as the introduction of sponsors, can be beneficial to the market. The need for pool tables is growing due to the growth of e-commerce and organized retail chains, as well as the popularity of pool games in countries such as India.

Segmental Analysis

The global pool tables market share is segmented by type, material, end-user, and distribution channel.

On the Basis of Type

Based on type, the global pool tables market is categorized into American Pool Tables and British Pool Tables.

American Pool Table is the largest segment in the global pool market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. The material used in manufacturing American pool tables is made of premium quality. Due to this reason, the demand for an American pool table is high. With the growing number of visitors to pool halls, sports clubs, and recreational centers, it is the most profitable and fastest-growing segment. 

British Pool Table is also known as snooker or English billiards. The British pool table is mainly used in leagues and tournaments and has a standard size recommended by associations. Curved pocket entrances are a distinguishing feature of British pool tables. Due to the curved pockets, shots into specific pockets are more complex, with more shots' rattling' in the jaws rather than potting. Shots into the two center pockets, on the other hand, are much more open, making the entry much easier to approach and aim for. Due to all these reasons, the British pool table is preferred on a large scale by various sports academies for pool or billiard competitions.

On the Basis of Material

Based on material, the global pool tables market is segmented into Slate Pool Tables, Wooden Pool Tables, Metallic Pool Tables, and Rubber Pool Tables.

Slate Pool Table owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Slate can be easily ground and polished into a perfectly flat surface, which is why it is famous for pool tables. The slate material is unaffected by temperature or humidity changes in the game room. The slate pool table is flat and level, providing a good surface for maximum ball control and straight shots. Because of this, all major 8-ball and 9-ball tournaments and pool leagues prefer slate pool tables. Slate tablets are used at all professional pool and snooker tournament tables worldwide because the ball roll is accurate. All such factors contribute to segment growth. 

Wooden Pool Tables have a significant advantage in terms of portability. They are much easier to move and assemble than slate tables because they are so light. When not in use, some wood tables have foldable legs and can be stored out of the way. Wood pool tables are typically constructed with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) beds. This is a far less expensive material than slate, which is reflected in the price.

On the Basis of Distribution Channels

Based on distribution channels, the global pool tables market is segmented into Specialty Stores, Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Online Sales Channels, and Departmental Stores.

Specialty Stores dominate the global pool tables market and are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Shopping has become a part of the daily routine among consumers globally, as they usually prefer to analyze and evaluate the product before purchase, thereby boosting the retail sales of pool tables through specialty stores. Specialty stores give their customers high-quality customer care through product descriptions and knowledgeable advice, all of which help increase sales of these goods. Moreover, these stores promote the sales of international as well as private label brands in their stores. Voucher and coupon campaigns are trending to build a solid brand image and attract a large consumer base, boosting the market's growth. 

Supermarkets & Hypermarkets are gaining popularity due to the availability of a broad range of consumer goods, ample parking space, and convenient operation timings. Consumers prefer to buy products that are on sale. Moreover, products are arranged nearby, which aids buyers in easy comparison among similar products, helping consumers decide which product to buy. In addition, an increase in urbanization, a rise in the working-class population, and competitive pricing boost the popularity of supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Increased penetration of various online portals globally and a rise in offers or discounts attract consumers to purchase through Online Sales Channels. The online sales channel has increased the consumer reach because it has evolved as a critical source of revenue for many companies. Furthermore, online sales are expected to grow notably in the future due to the rapid increase of mobile users across the globe. An increase in e-commerce sales, improvements in logistics services, and ease in payment options further boost the market's growth.

Residential

Due to consumer demand for personalized tables, the residential market segment is expected to perform very well. Additionally, the demand for handcrafted tables or tables with added features may promote the segment's expansion. This desire may be the cause of the increase in home décor.

On the Basis of End-User

Based on end-user, the global pool tables market is segmented into Professional, Commercial, and Residential.

The Professional segment is the largest shareholder in the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. Every year, various pool competitions and tournaments are organized for players. The major league and tournaments are Artistic Billiards World Championship, World Snooker Championship, World Straight Pool Championship, and World Women's Snooker Championship. During that period, the demand for pool tables is high. As a result, their usage has increased over time.

The Commercial segment is growing swiftly due to increased demand from developed countries' sports halls, bars, sports clubs, and recreational centers. The pool tables are also installed in schools and colleges. The growing popularity of cue sports such as billiards, pools, and snooker for entertainment and leisure has prompted sports halls, recreational centers, and clubs to install these games for customers.

Recent Developments

• In January 2022, The assets of the Brunswick Billiards® business have been agreed to be purchased by Escalade, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESCA), a leading provider of sporting goods and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment, from Life Fitness, LLC, a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners, LP. The largest and most established manufacturer of billiards tables, gaming tables, and equipment for game rooms in the US is Brunswick Billiards.
• In October 2022, Plank & Hide, a provider of outdoor and gaming furniture, will expand its selection of gaming furniture at the forthcoming High Point Market by introducing additional bistro tables, front and back bars, poker tables, pub tables, accompanying game chairs, and bar stools.