An abundance has been written in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry struggling because of the anti smoking law in England. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax cuts to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. But does the web version of this traditional game provide a reprieve, or might it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo has been an ancient game usually enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game recently had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlors in place of the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to change with the legislating of the smoking ban around UK.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes whilst dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favorite places where people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo halls. Players have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the internet. Players realise that they can bet on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a drink and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent development and has happened almost perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on on the internet is unlikely to replace the collective portion of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left many bingo players with little choice.