Much has been stated in the press not long ago concerning the bingo industry struggling as a result of the anti smoking law in England. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge aid to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. However can the internet adaptation of this quintessential game present a salvation, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar kin?
Bingo is an ancient game normally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger people deciding to go to the bingo parlors rather than the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the cigarette ban all over England and Wales.
No more will players be able to puff on cigarettes while dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public areas will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most popular areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo halls. Numbers have dropped and the business is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realize that they can bet on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a drink and fag and still enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on online is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the governing edicts have left a good many bingo players with little option.