Pool's latest growth in popularity is due to...?

Mensabum said:
In many cases paying an old Player to play was how we got our instruction.
Click to expand...
Until I wised up and with age developed the proper perspective, I used to say, "I've never paid for a pool lesson in my life." LOL. I kept trying to tell myself the same thing about women. The truth with women, however, is that they are never "paid", we are always paying, and paying, and paying.
 
Fatboy said:
Never thought of it as illegal…….fun was my idea of action, still is. Am I a criminal?😅😂
Click to expand...

Fatboy said:
Those joints suck SO MUCH money out of the gambling economy, so does poker-the rake is no joke.

Pool gambling has very little cost associated with it, table time? Which is most areas is trivial. Sadly the era of pool action is pretty much over with. 😕
Click to expand...
Hate the be the party pooper here, but here goes...

Gambling, its commonly associated substance addictions, and the fact that it is illegal, obviously didn't work for pool. In my opinion it pretty much killed it in the US. The consequences of gambling, and any other addiction, are nowhere near as trivial as you convey. The people who can live with a long term "successful" quality of life (however you measure that) and participate in gambling are the rare exception rather than the rule. It turns people into total and complete losers in life. Good luck having health insurance, a retirement worth living, raising a family and putting the kids through college with a gambling habit. I see it happen in my local rooms more often than not, guys out gambling away their family's money for that rush. The guys that gamble the most often happen to be meth dealers on the side. I won't let these people in my home.

So yeah, I would be perfectly happy for gambling in all of its forms to just disappear from American pool rooms. Maybe 1 in 10,000 can handle it responsibly. Until it does disappear good luck getting soccer moms feeling comfortable sending their kids to a poolroom for instruction. It is time for pool to evolve here.

And yes, years ago it was not unheard of for pool rooms to get raided by law enforcement when they actually decided to enforce the laws for some reason. If you somehow get financially successful at illegal gambling (one of the exceptions), the tax authorities may just catch up to you. Best to stick to legal gambling, like the stock market.
 
Badpenguin said:
Hate the be the party pooper here, but here goes...

Gambling, its commonly associated substance addictions, and the fact that it is illegal, obviously didn't work for pool. In my opinion it pretty much killed it in the US. The consequences of gambling, and any other addiction, are nowhere near as trivial as you convey. The people who can live with a long term "successful" quality of life (however you measure that) and participate in gambling are the rare exception rather than the rule. It turns people into total and complete losers in life. Good luck having health insurance, a retirement worth living, raising a family and putting the kids through college with a gambling habit. I see it happen in my local rooms more often than not, guys out gambling away their family's money for that rush. The guys that gamble the most often happen to be meth dealers on the side. I won't let these people in my home.

So yeah, I would be perfectly happy for gambling in all of its forms to just disappear from American pool rooms. Maybe 1 in 10,000 can handle it responsibly. Until it does disappear good luck getting soccer moms feeling comfortable sending their kids to a poolroom for instruction. It is time for pool to evolve here.

And yes, years ago it was not unheard of for pool rooms to get raided by law enforcement when they actually decided to enforce the laws for some reason. If you somehow get financially successful at illegal gambling (one of the exceptions), the tax authorities may just catch up to you. Best to stick to legal gambling, like the stock market.
Click to expand...
Welp I’ve gambled with more cops than I can count,

I’ve lived in Vegas forever and don gamble in casinos

its possible to be in action all the time and not be a degenerate gambler with a problem

im not 1 in 10,000

relax
 
Hold my beer . . . I grew up in a town with serious gambling, etc., and serious problems. The basis of the problem was compulsion. They were all doing the same thing -- chasing the euphoria of that first, massive hit of whatever.

Face it, if you are compulsive, you either deal with it, or it deals with you. Legal or illegal, if you want it, you are going to get it. Laws will never stop it. Individuals must decide to control their behavior and live a normal life, or not. All of the help in the world is out there if one simply wants it. What it comes down to is that folks tend to lean into their preferences.
 
Badpenguin said:
Hate the be the party pooper here, but here goes...

Gambling, its commonly associated substance addictions, and the fact that it is illegal, obviously didn't work for pool. In my opinion it pretty much killed it in the US. The consequences of gambling, and any other addiction, are nowhere near as trivial as you convey. The people who can live with a long term "successful" quality of life (however you measure that) and participate in gambling are the rare exception rather than the rule. It turns people into total and complete losers in life. Good luck having health insurance, a retirement worth living, raising a family and putting the kids through college with a gambling habit. I see it happen in my local rooms more often than not, guys out gambling away their family's money for that rush. The guys that gamble the most often happen to be meth dealers on the side. I won't let these people in my home.

So yeah, I would be perfectly happy for gambling in all of its forms to just disappear from American pool rooms. Maybe 1 in 10,000 can handle it responsibly. Until it does disappear good luck getting soccer moms feeling comfortable sending their kids to a poolroom for instruction. It is time for pool to evolve here.

And yes, years ago it was not unheard of for pool rooms to get raided by law enforcement when they actually decided to enforce the laws for some reason. If you somehow get financially successful at illegal gambling (one of the exceptions), the tax authorities may just catch up to you. Best to stick to legal gambling, like the stock market.
Click to expand...
There's more money bet on football in one weekend than every pool match throughout the year. Same for basketball, baseball, etc.

Gambling the family's money away 🤣🤣🤣 at this point youd be hard pressed to find a $5 game in america
 
Fatboy said:
That was the “only” lessons back when I started playing. Want to learn? Go play. Nobody was giving away anything.

The free lessons now is another reason why the overall standard of play is much higher now than 30 years ago among average players. Let’s say 500-700 Fargo range players. Free lessons have nothing to do with champions born gifted. They are gonna play great anyways and got help coming up when their talent was recognized. Average guys had to earn it.

The world changed. I loved the process of beating weaker players and picking my spot to take a shot at a better player and sometimes winning or getting a lesson…..that’s what made me value my game. Not some silly random number to brag about or complain about or to sandbag with.

Money won and money lost was my rating. And it still is in life. Not my fico score…….

Fatboy <———happy to live in the past
Click to expand...
Couldn't have said it better myself!!
Not all of us are gone. Yet.😉
 
jasonlaus said:
at this point youd be hard pressed to find a $5 game in america
Click to expand...
Very true. At most you might get someone to play for drinks while in a tournament match or something. That or they want the mortal nuts on a $5 bet.

Now that I've said that, I rarely gamble at pool. I find it tends to bring out the worst in some people and it's not worth $5 to deal with the antics.
 
Fatboy said:
The 714’s

I never took one, heard they are amazing.

I’m too young and missed out….

Pool will always be a big part of my life, even tho I don’t play anymore. I just can’t get motivated to play, I’d rather watch…..
Click to expand...
Come up there and drag you out boss!!😂
 
Biloxi Boy said:
Hold my beer . . . I grew up in a town with serious gambling, etc., and serious problems. The basis of the problem was compulsion. They were all doing the same thing -- chasing the euphoria of that first, massive hit of whatever.

Face it, if you are compulsive, you either deal with it, or it deals with you. Legal or illegal, if you want it, you are going to get it. Laws will never stop it. Individuals must decide to control their behavior and live a normal life, or not. All of the help in the world is out there if one simply wants it. What it comes down to is that folks tend to lean into their preferences.
Click to expand...
What ever happened to self discipline?? Personal responsibility??
 
boogieman said:
Very true. At most you might get someone to play for drinks while in a tournament match or something. That or they want the mortal nuts on a $5 bet.

Now that I've said that, I rarely gamble at pool. I find it tends to bring out the worst in some people and it's not worth $5 to deal with the antics.
Click to expand...
I never play for money. Which apparently means no decent player want to play.
Had a few ask me about $50-100 sets when i started going back to the local house. I told them i don't play for money, but i'll play friendlies with anyone. Don't even get the time of day now... so lame.
 
BasementDweller said:
I always thought video games would kill pool. Long before AI, tablets, and phones there were arcade style video games. When i was coming up -- I played a lot of Stocker! I was so good at it -- I probably could have parlayed those skills into being a fighter pilot or something. Maybe pool is making a comeback now that the popularity of a game like Stocker is starting to wane, even if just marginally.

Then there's 9 ball. I don't know guys....I always thought 9 ball was just for bangers, but it turns out everybody is doing it, and if eveybody is doing it, there's a lot of guys doing it.
Click to expand...
I totally get what you are saying, and agree for the most part, it's all coming down to video game reflexes. And true, that There are a lot of guys doing it. But one thing hasn't changed in all these years...only one guy can be the best.
 
1pocket said:
Is it because:

  • ...a general surge in interest in retro ("analog") vs digital? I mean pool is basically as analog as it gets! Yet it has the bright colors, action and to a certain degree sounds, of video games lol. Plus of course the winning and losing. But pool doesn't need virtual reality -- it already has it :D

It is not a blockbuster movie this time! ("The Hustler" and "The Color of Money" of course)

  • The prevalence of handicap formulas that rule all the leagues, and most of the local tournaments, which have broadened the power of weaker players, such that they feel more valued and have so much of a better chance of winning matches?

I'm thinking both.
Click to expand...

Industry Growth and Market Trends​


The U.S. pool and billiard hall industry was projected to reach approximately $669 million in 2022, indicating a positive trend in the sector . Additionally, the pool tables market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%, reaching an estimated $493.1 million by 2034 . This growth is attributed to increased consumer interest in recreational activities and home entertainment.Statista+1Market.us+1Straits Research+2Market.us+2GlobeNewswire+2


Rise in League Participation​


The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) reported a 52% increase in participation and a 79% increase in entries at its 9-Ball Championship, along with a 12% growth in league membership . These figures suggest a growing community of players and heightened engagement in organized pool events.bca-pool.com


Technological Advancements and Accessibility​


Technological innovations have made pool more accessible and engaging. The introduction of customizable and smart pool tables, featuring elements like automated scoring systems and augmented reality guidance, has enhanced the playing experience and attracted a broader audience .AzBilliards+1EBSCO+1GlobeNewswire+1Market.us+1


Community Insights​


Discussions among pool enthusiasts indicate a perceived revival of the sport. Factors such as increased investment from sponsors, the emergence of new equipment, and a growing appetite for the game in emerging markets contribute to this sentiment .Reddit


In summary, the game of pool is witnessing renewed interest in the United States, supported by industry growth, increased participation, technological advancements, and a vibrant community of players.
 
inter. es. ting did. arobot. writethat all
facts with. vocabulary and

presentation intelligence? insummary
try. to mixspll words to seem

not
likecardboard?
 
Equipment.

It cuts down the learning curve. You don't need to know 'aiming with deflection'. Just point and shoot.

Give someone a camera phone versus a 35mm Leica.

Everyone can play pretty well today. League participation can make an enthusiast player into a pretty good player.

The internet. It teaches people a lot about the game when I had to learn the game it was by playing a lot. It was always a mystery why someone was so good at pool. There was an aura about it. Now you have the internet that sort of gives away the game.

Measle balls. The better player is now showing his hand and the opponent can pick up things. I play with a guy that can't play worth a damn with a regular ball. We will be playing for money and in the middle of the match he insists on changing the ball. I told him winner picks the cue ball and there is a huge difference in how he plays. He wants to know if he's doing something right with the measle ball and it helps his tempo.

Template rack. The same guy I described would routinely make 3 or 4 balls with the soft break with 1at the spot. I try to convince him to put the 9 at the spot but he refuses.

With the soft break, the balls will be clustered on one side of the table. Allowing bar box players more familiarity with a run out. The template rack has reduced the amount of balls being played. A cluster of 5 or 6 balls is quite easy to run out.

In conclusion, the game is a lot easier to learn now than ever before. I am quite fascinated with the evolution of the game. It's cool to see how things changed.
 
Last edited:
billiards_watch said:
... Everyone can play pretty well today. League participation can make an enthusiast player into a pretty good player.
Click to expand...
Only if you define "pretty good" and almost a 400 FargoRate. That is my observation of some leagues.

I have a student who told me he can't play any better in league because then either he won't get to play much (as an APA 5) or he will likely have to leave his team. But he hopes to learn to play better, but just outside of league. I suspect some of his teammates are happy to be 3s forever.

But I suppose if a league keeps players on the tables it's a positive even if those players have only a minor interest in the game and no interest in improving.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top