A lot has been stated in the press not long ago concerning the bingo industry struggling because of the anti smoking law in Britain. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax cuts to help keep the businesses alive. But will the web variation of this quintessential game offer a lifeline, or will it never compare to its real life peer?
Bingo is an established game normally played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game of late had experienced a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society deciding to go to the bingo parlors rather than the bars on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the enacting of the smoking ban around UK.
Players will no longer be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public location will not be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most common locations where people enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo parlors. Numbers have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not deserted this enduring game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can gamble on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and still have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course betting on on the net is unlikely to replace the social aspect of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the law has left a good many bingo enthusiasts with little choice.