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How Much Does Commercial Laser Tag Equipment Really Cost?

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re reading this, you want to know one thing: “How much is it going to cost me to get into the laser tag business?”

That’s the million-dollar question. And the truth is, it depends. Not the squishy, consultant “it depends,” but the real-world kind: it depends on your business model, your ambitions, and whether you want to build a serious long-term business or just want a side-hustle.

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Battlefield Sports has been equipping entrepreneurs, mobile operators, and adventure parks for over two decades. We’ve heard every version of this question. And we’re not going to blow smoke.

Price matters.

But let’s be clear, price isn’t everything. The wrong gear at a “bargain” price might be the most expensive mistake you can make.

Here’s the straight truth about commercial laser tag equipment costs.

The Entry Point: Starter Kits

If you’re dipping your toe in, running birthday parties or small mobile events, you’ll need enough taggers to handle a small gig. That means 12 to 16 taggers, a couple of game props, plus a controller system.

→ Expect to invest $12,000 – $18,000 for a serious starter kit.

If you're interested in more than a side hustle, then consider business growth.

Growing into a Business: Mid-Sized Packages

Want to handle schools, camps, or larger community events? You’ll need 24 to 30 taggers, at least three game props, a controller, scoreboard software, and a transportable field setup. At this level, you’re not just “running games.” You’re building a business.

You’ve got the capacity to book multiple events in a day and cash flow actually to pay yourself, not just cover gear.

→ Expect to Budget $25,000 – $45,000

If you are part of an adventure organization, then consider the Big Guns.

The Big Guns: Full Indoor Laser Tag Arena or Large Mobile (or Outdoor) Laser Tag Business

Running a dedicated indoor arena? Or planning to be the #1 mobile laser tag provider in your region?

Then you’ll want 40–60+ taggers, props, control systems, scoreboard software, and a professional field setup. Sounds like a lot? Maybe. But let’s put it in perspective. Setting up a trampoline park can cost around half a million (or more!) dollars. A bowling alley, millions. Roller-caster? Try north of $20 million. Compared to that, commercial laser tag is one of the lowest-cost, fastest-return attractions in the entertainment industry.

→ Plan for a Budget of $60,000 – $100,000+

And the ROI can be impressive. Battlefield Sports customers regularly report payback, quick smart.

25 Times ROI

It's amazing how time flies. My laser tag equipment is still going strong. It's probably the best return on investment ever. My investment has paid me back 25 times over the last 5 years. Thanks.
Ruben, NY, USA

⭐ How Many Laser Tag Guns Do I Need To Run My Business?

The number of laser tag guns used in a live gaming business varies. Here's a good rule of thumb for the minimum number of laser tag guns to start.

For a mobile laser tag outfit the minimum recommended number of gaming guns is 12.
For an indoor laser tag arena or zombie haunted house the minimum recommended number of gaming guns is 24.
And for an outdoor battlefield the minimum recommended number of gaming guns is 48.

This number varies with busier battlefields. In fact we limit the number of gamers per session on our local battlefields to 100 at a time. Not because the system cannot handle more gamers at once (the biggest game we've run to date was 436 gamers playing at once!) rather our car-parking only can handle that number of vehicles. Of course the amount of space you have in which to play also impacts on how many gamers you can have playing at once.

Q. How does the cost of Laser Tag compare to other commercial entertainment equipment?

A. Laser tag equipment offers a great return on investment compared to other commercial entertainment equipment. I have seen a VR experience (where two people can play at once) for around $70,000. Wow!

A commercial swing set (obviously pretty low-tech) can be purchased for around $2,000 for a 2-seat set, excluding installation.

Commercial entertainment makes money when you can maximize the number of people compared to the ticket price. People might spend a lot of money on the VR experience, but when you can only have two people at once, it's going to take a lot of time to get a return on your investment. A swing set has a lot less initial cost, but it lacks the WOW factor to draw in the crowds and command a high ticket price. Despite the low investment, getting a good return may still take time.

Laser Tag is amazing because you can pack many people into one activity.

If you want 26 people to play at once, the laser tag equipment will cost around $26k.

Battlefield Sports' SATR system has the WOW factor and the capacity to make money.

Unlike other laser tag manufacturers, Battlefield Sports does not charge an ongoing license fee.

Q. Does Battlefield Sports sell laser tag equipment for personal or home use?

A: Yes. Battlefield Sports makes commercial-grade laser tag equipment, which we have occasionally sold to individuals.

Keep in mind that our equipment is designed for business use. It is built to be robust and withstand plenty of wear and tear, and the price reflects this.

We recommend that you check your local laws before ordering to ensure that the model you select can be legally imported and possessed in your state or country.


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⭐ How Much Does It Cost To Start A Laser Tag Business?

The cost of setting up a laser tag business depends on which business model you choose.

[MOBILE] The initial investment in a small, part-time mobile laser tag business could be from $12,000 to $18,000 for a serious starter kit.
[OUTDOOR] For a bigger arsenal for an outdoor fixed venue, say, an add-on to a summer camp or an adventure park, you will need to budget from $25,000 to $45,000.
[INDOOR] If you are planning a major indoor laser tag arena installation, factor in between $60,000 to $100,000+ plus some working capital.

⭐ How long will it take to see my initial cash investment in starting a laser tag business come back to me and move into profit?

The time it takes to recoup your initial investment in starting a laser tag business depends on several factors. Factors such as your drawing population, your current facilities, and the size of your set-up. While some Operators have recouped their investment in a few months, as a rule of thumb, think in terms of 12 months to 36 months. This is an industry benchmark. A lot depends on your business model and how you organize your marketing. A high traffic venue can have amazing ROI.

⭐ How do the start up costs of an independent laser tag business compare to a laser tag franchise operation?

Starting a laser tag business is very competitive compared to most business opportunities in the market. This is a lifestyle business and arguably, one of the most exciting and motivational business ideas in the world. You have a lot of choices but what would you rather do, be a hero to your customers, running a healthy business that enjoys steady and continuous growth year after year. Or you could buy a Dunkin Donuts franchise, a Tax franchise, a Burger place...etc. And then you will have to pay an override to your franchisor on every dollar you make.

Battlefield Sports Laser Tag Helped Us Increase Park Revenue by Nearly 17%

"Implementing the new laser tag game enabled the park to attract a broader range of guests, which helped increase the park’s revenue by 16.8% in the first year."
Adrian Easdown, Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park

Q. What's Included with the Gaming Guns?

Every gaming gun has a computer inside, so you can turn it on with a key and start playing.

The key is also included.

You also get integrated sensors.

On the Cobra Lite & Cobra Striker, there are two on the body of the tagger.

On the Cobra Awesome, one is on the barrel of the tagger, and three are attached using a twirly cable.

We recommend wearing the sensors on the front and back of the head. Most players will meet head-to-head, and this allows for 360-degree tagging.

The head sensors attach to a headband to be worn over a hat or bandanna.

An integrated red dot or peep sight scope (depending on the tagger's model) is also included.

Also included is a 7.2volt rechargeable NiMh battery (one per gaming gun).

Please note you may need to pay any local customs clearance fees and entry duties, taxes, and sales taxes in your country, if any.

Where can you buy Laser Tag equipment?

There are serveral quality laser tag manufactures from which you can buy professional laser tag equipment. Some laser tag suppliers specialize in indoor laser tag, some specialize in outdoor equipment, and some, like Battlefield Sports, offer both.

According to IBISWorld, there are no giants in the industry, no laser tag manufacturer dominates. This is a good thing because it means there are plenty of providers from which to select your commercial laser tag equipment.

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Q. How do I go about getting a software upgrade?

If a customer has purchased SATR3 and wants to get the latest SATR3 software within the last 90 days, the fee is $30 per unit. All other customers pay $50 per unit. In all cases, the customer is responsible for the shipping costs to/from the factory or authorized agent.

Q: How do the start-up costs compare to Franchise operations?

We are very competitive compared to most business opportunities in the market. With Battlefield Sports, you don't have the extra overheads with a laser tag franchise. You get fabulous equipment and business support without the royalty fees.

No Annual Royalties

"So we checked out many commercial laser tag equipment suppliers, and it came down to Battlefield Sports and another. Our business plan is to provide quality entertainment for birthdays and events. One thing that tipped us towards Battlefield Sports is that you do not require annual membership fees for software. So once we pay for the equipment, we are done paying if we want to. We liked the option to upgrade, but there was no mandatory subscription fee. We also liked the equipment options, from simple to more tactical. Lastly, their 20+ years in the industry experience helped me choose Battlefield Sports,"
Melissa Arnsdorff, Georgia, USA

Q: How do the start-up costs compare to Laser Tag Franchise operations?

Battlefield Sports is competitive compared to most business opportunities in the market, particularly franchise opportunities. With Battlefield Sports, you don't have the extra overheads with a laser tag franchise.

You get fabulous equipment and business support without the royalty fees.

This makes our brand of laser tag equipment very competitive when considering the overall cost of ownership. In other words, you don't have to pay an annual license fee to your laser tag manufacturer. Better still you don't have to pay 8% or 10% of your turnover to your laser tag equipment supplier!

Battlefield Sports Costs What It Costs (And Why It’s Worth It)

Yes, you might find cheaper options online. Think: eBay, Amazon specials, or Facebook Marketplace.

Imports with bright LEDs and clunky software. You could buy a box of those, run three parties, and spend the rest of your time fixing broken gear and apologizing to parents.

Battlefield Sports equipment is different: Made in Australia. Tough as nails. Built for commercial use. Smart software.

Battlefield LIVE, Battlefield TAG, and Battlefield ROYALE aren’t kids’ games. They’re industry-leading live-action gaming themes.

Global community. You’re not just buying laser tag equipment, you’re plugging into a worldwide network of operators who’ve tested, refined, and proven what works.

Support that actually answers. Real humans. Real operators. Not some AI-bot on AliExpress. When your equipment works every time, you keep your reputation intact and your bookings full.

The Bottom Line

So, how much does commercial laser tag equipment cost?

Starter Kit (12–16 taggers): $12K – $18K

Mid-Sized Business (24–30 taggers): $25K – $45K

Large Operation / Arena (40–60+ taggers): $60K – $100K+

This isn’t pocket change. But compared to almost any other attraction business, it’s a low barrier to entry with a fast ROI.

The real question isn’t “How much does it cost?” It’s “How soon do you want your gear to pay for itself—and keep earning?”

Ready to Run the Numbers?

READY TO ARM YOURSELF FOR ADVENTURE?

Don’t waste another hour Googling. Take our 1-Minute “Are You Ready to Arm Yourself for Adventure?” Quiz. Then get a personalized recommendation on what kit is right for you.

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