Much has been reported in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry struggling as a result of the cigarette ban in England. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big aid to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But can the internet variation of this quintessential game offer a reprieve, or might it never compare to its land based peer?
Bingo has been an established game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game recently had seen a recent comeback in acceptance with younger people deciding to visit the bingo parlors in place of the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the legislating of the anti smoking law all over United Kingdom.
No more will players be able to smoke while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public places will not be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most common places where players like to smoke.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo parlours. Players have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Obviously they haven’t forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Players realize that they can play bingo using their computer while enjoying a beverage and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at huge jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened almost perfectly with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course wagering on online is unlikely to replace the communal part of going down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left many bingo players with little option.