A group of regular bowlers has filed a class-action lawsuit accusing Lucky Strike Entertainment of building a monopoly that has driven up prices and ruined the bowling experience across America. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle, claims the company's aggressive acquisition strategy has created a "Wall Street goliath" that controls the market.

The plaintiffs allege Lucky Strike used a "predatory approach" to buy out competitors and now operates more than 360 bowling alleys across North America. The company went public in 2021 at a $2.6 billion valuation and continued acquiring rivals, including purchasing Bowl America for $44 million and the Lucky Strike brand for about $90 million in 2023. Customers now face tripled prices at some locations, with two hours of bowling for three people costing $285 in Seattle.

Lucky Strike called the lawsuit meritless, saying it has expanded opportunities for bowling. The company is also facing a separate federal investigation into age discrimination and retaliation from 2023. The plaintiffs argue the chain prioritizes open play and upselling food and beverage over league bowlers who have sustained the sport for decades.