A lot has been written in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big tax cuts to help keep the industry afloat. However does the internet version of this traditional game offer a escape, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar kin?
Bingo is an ancient game usually played by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game recently had seen a recent resurgence in appeal with younger men and women deciding to hit the bingo parlors instead of the bars on a Saturday night. All this is about to be reversed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law around UK.
No longer will players be able to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public locations will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite locations where many people like to smoke.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already forbidden in the bingo halls. Players have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Obviously they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers realise that they can play bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beer and cigarette and still enjoy massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course betting on online could never replace the collective portion of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the rules have left a number of bingo players with little choice.