Much has been reported in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the anti cigarette law in the United Kingdom. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax breaks to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. However can the internet adaptation of this traditional game present a salvation, or might it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo has been an ancient game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had seen a recent return in popularity with younger people deciding to hit the bingo parlors rather than the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the anti smoking law all over Britain.
Players will no longer be able to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public places will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite places where people like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already prohibited in the bingo parlours. Profits have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Of course they have not forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the web. People are now realizing that they can gamble on bingo using their computer while enjoying a beverage and cigarette and still enjoy massive cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened just about perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on on the net is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left many bingo enthusiasts with no option.