Together paintball and laser tag constitute a significant section of U.S. leisure activities. The combined revenue from these industries generates over $900 million annually, employing over 14,000 individuals in over 2,000 businesses nationwide. Though paintball is the more lucrative field, laser tag has been especially resilient through the Recession, displaying an annual growth of 2.2% from 2007 to 2012. This may have to do with the less space required for laser tag arenas, but it certainly benefits from the increase in the adolescent population through this period. Laser tag’s primary demographic is players under 18-years-old, with that segment making up almost 70% of all laser tag players. Paintball’s key market is also in this range, but it spreads over a much wider demographic and allows for much more diversity in equipment, owing to the range of customization in gear.

Paintball presents challenges to the business owner not encountered by the laser tag owner (such as fields closing due to weather) but it maintains a strong foothold beyond the 10-19 market with its worldwide appeal as a team sport. Companies often rent out entire paintball fields for team-building exercises, as do churches and other organizations. Additionally, paintball tournaments bring in players from all walks of life and levels of skill, with prize purses reaching as high as $100,000. With 16 million players worldwide in 140 countries, the sport is a great investment for the enterprising business owner, limited only by one’s access to suitable land. Due to the great area required for fields, the majority of U.S. paintball establishments are located in the southeast and west of the country, where more land is available and populations are larger.

Both industries rely on local interest in their sports, with laser tag appealing to parents and children and paintball to hobbyists and single players alike. Both industries also require a significant investment in equipment; the equipment, after all, is almost the entirety of both sports. Matrix Business Capital has helped both these industries obtain the best gear and supplies for their establishments at easily affordable monthly prices, including but not limited to: