A lot has been stated in the papers recently about the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the smoking ban in England. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge aid to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. But can the net version of this quintessential game present a salvation, or might it never compare to its bricks and mortar kin?
Bingo is an established game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had witnessed a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger members of society deciding to go to the bingo halls rather than the discos on a weekend. This is all about to change with the legislating of the smoking ban around Britain.
Players will no longer be able to smoke while dabbing numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public locations will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favored locations where many people like to smoke.
The results of the cigarette ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo parlors. Players have plummeted and the business is literally fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Of course they have not given up on this enduring game?
The answer is online. Gamblers know that they can bet on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and in the end, have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course betting on online will never replace the collective part of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with no choice.