Much has been stated in the press recently about the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge aid to assist in keeping the industry alive. But does the web adaptation of this quintessential game provide a escape, or might it not compare to its real life relative?
Bingo has been an enduring game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had experienced a recent comeback in appeal with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlours in place of the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the anti smoking law across UK.
Players will no longer be able to smoke whilst marking off their numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favored places where players like to smoke.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo halls. Numbers have plummeted and the business is absolutely fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Of course they have not forgotten this classic game?
The answer is online. Players realize that they can gamble on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a beer and cigarette and still have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the social aspect of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the rules have left a lot of bingo players with little alternative.