Much has been written in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti smoking law in Britain. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive tax breaks to help keep the businesses afloat. However does the internet variation of this traditional game provide a escape, or will it not compare to its bricks and mortar kin?
Bingo is an enduring game generally played by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had experienced a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger people deciding to visit the bingo halls instead of the bars on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the enacting of the anti smoking law throughout UK.
No longer will players be allowed to puff on cigarettes whilst marking numbers. From the summer of ‘07 every public area will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favorite places where players enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo halls. Numbers have dropped and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Certainly they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. People are now realizing that they can enjoy bingo from their computer while enjoying a beverage and smoke and in the end, have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course wagering on on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left many bingo players with no alternative.