A lot has been stated in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the anti smoking law in England. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. But can the internet variation of this traditional game present a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its land based relative?
Bingo is an classic game generally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game of late had seen a recent comeback in acceptance with younger people deciding to hit the bingo parlours instead of the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enacting of the anti cigarette law throughout United Kingdom.
Players will no longer be permitted to smoke while marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public place will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular locations where folks like to puff on cigarettes.
The results of the smoking ban can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo halls. Numbers have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t deserted this age old game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers realise that they can enjoy bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cigarette and still enjoy big jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself almost perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on on the internet could never replace the collective part of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left many bingo enthusiasts with no option.