Potential Revenue and Costs
A paintball field can generate $20,000 to $30,000 in annual profits. Revenue increases with more customer participation and additional arenas. Entry fees range from $10-$25 per round. Equipment rentals cost around $30. Games last 15 minutes to 1 hour. Paintball markers are no longer considered firearms in NSW, rather recreational devices managed by Fair Trading. General liability insurance costs $400-$1,100 yearly.
The paintball industry is worth $1.3 billion. Texas, California and Florida have the most paintball fields. A minimum half-acre is needed for a field, but more space is better. Revenue comes from admissions, rentals, paintballs sold at 25% markup, tournaments and events, sponsorships, and merchandise. Startup costs range from $3,500-$5,000. Fields chronograph markers from 240-280 fps for safety.
Paintball began in the 1960s when Nelson Paint Company developed paint-filled gelatin spheres shot by CO2 pistols. Airsoft is a sport requiring physical skill. Paintball entrepreneurship is promising but requires strategic planning for success. Success requires generating diverse revenue streams, not just play fees.
Starting a Paintball Business
- Startup costs: $3,500-$5,000
- Speedball fields: Regulation 150 by 120 feet
- General liability insurance: $400-$1,100 yearly
- Entry fees: $10-$25 per round
- Equipment rentals: Around $30
- Game duration: 15 minutes to 1 hour
- Legal status: Not firearms in NSW, recreational devices
Questions & Answers
Land Requirements
How much land do you need for paintball? Outdoor fields require acres of land, while indoor fields need a minimum of 20,000 square feet.
Equipment Needs
What equipment is needed for paintball?
- Marker with propellant to fire paint
- Protective mask for eyes and face
- Paintballs
- Loader for paintballs
- Barrel sock or plug for marker
Industry Growth
Is paintball growing or declining in popularity? Growth is modest, with a 1.6% increase in the number of paintball fields over the past five years in the US.
Regulation Field Size
How big is a regulation paintball field? The actual field size is 150 by 120 feet—each grid square is 15 feet x 10 feet.
Equipment Costs
How much does paintball equipment cost? A half decent paintball gun will cost between $100-200.
Private Land Games
Can you play paintball on private land? Yes, outdoor fields can be set up on private land.
Cost of Paintballs
How much does 2000 paintballs cost? Prices range from $50-75 per 2000 rounds, depending on quality and consistency.
Pain Level
How bad do paintballs hurt? Pain can vary, from a snap of an elastic band to a bee sting, with the possibility of a small bruise or welt.
Business Opportunities
What can I do with my paintball business? Earn additional income from player rental of equipment and gears.