An abundance has been talked in the press just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hit because of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax cuts to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the internet version of this traditional game provide a escape, or might it never compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an enduring game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent increase in appeal with younger people opting to hit the bingo halls instead of the bars on a weekend. All this is about to change with the introduction of the anti smoking law all over United Kingdom.
Players will no longer be permitted to puff on cigarettes while dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public locations will not be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most common areas where players like to smoke.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Players have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Certainly they haven’t abandoned this enduring game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers know that they can wager on bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a drink and cig and still have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of going down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the governing edicts have left a good many bingo enthusiasts with no option.