Much has been reported in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the smoking ban in England. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax breaks to help keep the industry alive. But does the online variation of this traditional game present a reprieve, or will it in no way compare to its land based kin?
Bingo is an enduring game usually played by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game lately had seen a recent comeback in appeal with younger men and women deciding to visit the bingo parlors rather than the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enacting of the anti cigarette law across UK.
No longer will enthusiasts be permitted to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public places will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most common areas where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already banned in the bingo parlours. Numbers have dropped and the business is literally struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Of course they haven’t forgotten this enduring game?
The answer is on the net. People know that they can bet on bingo using their computer while enjoying a beverage and fag and in the end, have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on online is unlikely to replace the communal part of going over to the bingo hall, but for a group of men and women the law has left a good many bingo enthusiasts with no option.