Bowling alley

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A bowling alley is a place to play bowling. It can be a dedicated building or part of a club or home. The sport began in New York City in the 1830s at the Knickerbocker Hotel, which had clay lanes. By 1850 there were more than 400 alleys in NYC, earning it the nickname “bowling capital of North America.” Early bowling faced gambling problems, and some cities regulated it. It revived in the late 19th century, often in saloon basements and as a social spot for working men; bars are still common in many alleys. Bowling stayed popular through the Great Depression, and by 1939 about 4,600 alleys existed in the United States. In 1952 automatic pinsetters were introduced, replacing workers who placed pins by hand. Today many alleys are run by large chains, such as Bowlero. In 2015, over 70 million people bowled in the United States. A bowling alley has long, narrow lanes with seating and scoring screens, and lanes may also offer food, drinks, and other games like billiards or arcade games. The largest alley in the world is the Inazawa Grand Bowl in Japan, with 116 lanes. Pinsetters are now automatic. Lane oil affects how the ball rolls: oil can move and dry in different areas, making the ball hook sooner or later. The lane surface, oil thickness, temperature, humidity, and tiny bumps can all change the ball’s path. Pro shops and party rooms are common features.