An abundance has been stated in the papers just a while ago about the bingo industry being hit as a consequence of the smoking ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However can the net adaptation of this quintessential game present a escape, or will it not compare to its real life relative?
Bingo has been an established game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had undergone a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger people deciding to visit the bingo parlours in place of the bars on a weekend. This is all about to change with the enacting of the cigarette ban throughout England and Wales.
No more will enthusiasts be able to smoke whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public location will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most common places where people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Profits have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Obviously they have not forgotten this enduring game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realize that they can bet on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cig and still have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the net is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of players the law has left a lot of bingo players with no choice.