An abundance has been talked in the papers just a while ago regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the cigarette ban in the United Kingdom. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge aid to assist in keeping the industry alive. However can the internet variation of this quintessential game provide a reprieve, or might it never compare to its land based opposite?
Bingo is an established game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo parlours instead of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the smoking ban throughout United Kingdom.
No more will enthusiasts be permitted to smoke while marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public area will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favorite areas where players like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already banned in the bingo halls. Numbers have plunged and the business is literally struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. People are now realizing that they can bet on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beer and fag and still have a chance at monstrous prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on on the net could never replace the social aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little choice.