An abundance has been written in the press just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hit because of the cigarette ban in England. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big aid to assist in keeping the industry alive. But can the internet version of this traditional game provide a salvation, or might it in no way compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo has been an enduring game normally played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had seen a recent return in popularity with younger men and women opting to go to the bingo halls rather than the bars on a Saturday night. All this is about to be reversed with the enacting of the anti cigarette law throughout UK.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public locations will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most popular areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The results of the cigarette ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they haven’t forgotten this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. Players realise that they can participate in bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and cig and in the end, have a chance at monstrous jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of going over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of players the rules have left many bingo players with little option.