An abundance has been talked in the papers just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested big aid to help keep the industry afloat. However can the internet variation of this quintessential game present a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its real life equivalent?
Bingo is an ancient game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had undergone a recent return in acceptance with younger men and women opting to hit the bingo parlours instead of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the introduction of the smoking ban all over England and Wales.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to smoke while marking numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favored areas where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already banned in the bingo parlors. Numbers have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they haven’t deserted this ancient game?
The answer is on the web. People realise that they can enjoy bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and still have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has happened almost perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on on the internet is unlikely to replace the social portion of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of players the governing edicts have left a good many bingo players with little option.