An abundance has been talked in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the anti cigarette law in England. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge aid to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. But can the web variation of this traditional game provide a reprieve, or will it in no way compare to its land based opposite?
Bingo is an enduring game generally played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game lately had undergone a recent return in acceptance with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo halls rather than the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the introduction of the anti smoking law throughout England and Wales.
No longer will players be allowed to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public place will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favorite places where players like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo parlors. Players have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they have not forgotten this enduring game?
The answer is online. Gamblers are now realizing that they can bet on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a beer and smoke and in the end, enjoy monstrous jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on online is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of players the rules have left many bingo players with little option.