India’s indoor amusement industry is witnessing a major transformation, evolving from a children-focused entertainment niche into a key pillar of the country’s fast-growing experience economy, according to a new report by Anarock Group and Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI).
The report titled Ready, Set, Play: India’s Indoor Amusement Industry at a Turning Point estimates the current market size of indoor amusement centres (IACs) at around ₹15,000 crore, reflecting rising consumer demand, greater industry formalisation and a post-pandemic surge in experiential spending.
Experiential Consumption Driving Growth
The study highlights a strong rebound in leisure and recreation spending since the pandemic. Consumer outlay at indoor amusement centres has risen 30–40% compared to pre-Covid levels, with tier I cities witnessing 10–15% higher per-customer spending than tier II markets.
Industry suppliers also report a 15–20% increase in consumer spending in recent years, driven by higher participation, longer visit durations and more immersive entertainment formats.
Anarock Group retail, leasing & industrial logistics CEO Anuj Kejriwal said the sector is entering a decisive phase of transformation.
He noted that indoor amusement centres are increasingly becoming integral to India’s experience-driven economy, as consumers seek social and interactive leisure options rather than traditional retail-driven outings.
Family-Led Demand Boosting Footfall
The report finds that families with young children remain the core customer segment for indoor amusement centres. Visits are often purpose-driven, such as celebrations, social gatherings or weekend outings, rather than routine entertainment.
Anarock’s Market Pulse Survey, which covered consumers primarily aged 25–44 years, found strong demand for multi-attraction formats such as arcade gaming zones, kids’ play areas and bowling alleys.
Spending beyond entry tickets is also becoming a major revenue driver. Over 50% of visitors spend more than ₹1,000 per visit on gaming, food and beverage, and add-on activities, highlighting the importance of integrated entertainment experiences.
Market Expansion and Format Diversification
According to the report, India’s indoor amusement centre market generated about ₹8,400 crore in revenue in 2024 and is projected to grow to ₹15,600 crore by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3%, faster than the global growth rate of about 9%.
Globally, the indoor amusement market is valued between $ 51 billion and $84 billion, with North America holding the largest share. However, the Asia-Pacific region, particularly India and China, is expected to drive future growth due to rapid urbanisation and rising disposable incomes.
IAAPI chairman & founder of Masti Zone Ankur Maheshwari said indoor amusement centres have evolved from mall add-ons into anchors of the modern amusement economy.
Industry Challenges
Despite the strong growth outlook, the sector faces several operational challenges. High 18% GST on tickets and rides, varying state licensing rules, and the absence of a unified national regulatory framework continue to affect business economics and expansion plans.
Operators are also calling for standardised safety norms and streamlined approval processes, as incidents involving unorganised setups often impact the perception of the entire industry.