In what place did most of the action happen in the flicks, “The Hustler” and “The Color of Money,” starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise? The answer is of course the billiard hall. More often than not these places are found adjoining casinos and bowling alleys. Typical imageries of a pool hall are the centerpiece billiard tables with the overhanging bright, billiard lights and men milling around and playing a game of pool, billiard or snooker. Players can also have a drink or two and smoke as they socialize. Because this is a place where people can enjoy themselves, billiard halls are also called billiard parlors and billiard saloons.

Prior to 1960, billiard halls were perceived as places of antisocial activities. These were the places that were more like pubs, where alcohol was imbibed freely and the game encouraged gambling among players and spectators as well. There were even laws passed restricting the entry of minors into billiard halls. But slowly this perception changed and billiards is now regarded as a game that requires considerable skill.

Players rent billiard tables on an hourly basis for $8-15, depending on the city and the location. A billiard hall also arranges for billiard classes to teach eager students on the nuances of playing the game. Many world billiard champions started playing at a young age, virtually growing up in billiard halls. Billiard halls are the best places to learn the game easily by observing other players.

A billiard hall business could potentially make good returns, especially if it is located in just the right place. One can start by putting up a single billiard table, with provisions for more if the business thrives. On weekdays, many pool and billiard halls are open from 11 a.m. till midnight. One can expect more customers to turn up on weekends and holidays, thus business hours are normally extended then. Sometimes, brawls and fist fights erupt among betting and drunken patrons. Other than that though, billiards is a popular sport with organized tournaments on local, national and international levels; the most prestigious of which is the World Billiard Championship.