Coin Operated Pool Tables

A coin-operated pool table is a commercial pool table fitted with a coin mechanism that holds the balls in place until payment is made. Once a customer inserts the required coins, the mechanism releases the balls, allowing play to begin.

These tables are popular in pubs, bars, clubs, holiday parks, universities, and other venues where staff supervision isn’t always available. They provide customers with some entertainment while also creating an extra revenue stream for the business.

English tables use 2-inch red and yellow balls with a 1⅞-inch cue ball and tighter pockets, making them the standard choice for UK pubs and clubs.

American tables use larger, numbered 2¼-inch balls, wider pockets, and a magnetic cue ball. This makes for faster play and encourages a more open playing style.

Leisure centres and venues with a mixed clientele often opt for American tables, as they’re proven to generate more revenue.

A 7ft English pool table is the most popular choice for UK pubs and clubs. It offers an excellent balance between playability and floor space, while meeting the specifications used by many UK pool leagues. If your venue has limited space, a 6ft table may be a more practical option.

If your venue has a mixed age range and clientele and is more of a trendy bar than a traditional pub, American pool is usually the best option. Here too, 7ft tends to be the ideal size, letting you fit as many tables as possible into the space available.

The best table for you depends on your available space, customer demographic, and expected level of use. Consider factors such as:

• Whether you’ll be hosting league matches
• Your expected daily footfall
• Whether English or American pool suits your venue better
• Whether features like free play or contactless payment would benefit your customers

If you’re unsure, our experienced team can help you choose the right table for your venue and budget.

Commercial pool tables are available with a range of coin mechanisms. Traditional mechanical systems are falling out of favour, in place of modern electronic coin and contactless payment options. Many electronic mechanisms can also be configured for different coin values, playing time, or token operation, giving you far more flexibility to suit your venue.

Many commercial pool tables can be switched between coin-operated mode and free play, making them ideal for private functions, competitions, promotions, or customer events. The available options depend on the table, its operating system, and the coin mechanism you choose.

Speak to our experienced team if this is a requirement, and we’ll let you know which tables offer these features.

Commercial pool tables are built for continuous daily use and, in practice, require relatively little routine maintenance. A yearly service and MOT-style inspection is normally sufficient, and can be tied in with a re-cloth.

Regularly brushing the cloth, cleaning the balls, checking the cushions, and emptying the cash box will help keep your table performing well. Periodic servicing by experienced technicians will also maximise the lifespan of the table and its coin mechanism.

Commercial pool tables are designed to withstand the demands of busy public venues. They feature precision slate beds, reinforced cabinets and finishes, commercial-grade cloth, and robust coin mechanisms built to handle thousands of games.

SAM tables in particular also allow for part replacements, so if damage is sustained, the affected part can be repaired or replaced and the table can carry on working. A domestic pool table simply isn’t engineered for this level of use, or abuse.

Yes. SAM Leisure supplies, delivers, and professionally installs commercial coin-operated pool tables nationwide. We also provide a robust service for re-cloth work, general servicing, repairs, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring your investment continues to perform reliably for years to come.

With more than 30 years of experience supplying pubs, clubs, holiday parks, universities, and leisure venues across the UK, SAM Leisure has built a reputation for quality products, expert advice, and outstanding aftercare. From helping you choose the right table to professional installation and ongoing support, we’re committed to providing commercial pool tables that deliver exceptional performance, long-term value, and maximum revenue.