A lot has been written in the press recently concerning the bingo industry being hit as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in the United Kingdom. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big aid to help keep the industry afloat. But will the internet adaptation of this quintessential game provide a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its land based relative?
Bingo is an familiar game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had undergone a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo parlours rather than the bars on a Saturday night. All this is about to change with the introduction of the smoking ban across United Kingdom.
No more will enthusiasts be permitted to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public locations will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most popular places where many people enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo halls. Players have plummeted and the business is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Certainly they have not deserted this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a drink and cigarette and still have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent development and has happened just about perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course gambling on on the net is unlikely to replace the social part of going down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.