An abundance has been reported in the press just a while ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big aid to help keep the industry alive. But does the online version of this classic game provide a lifeline, or will it never compare to its land based relative?
Bingo has been an enduring game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had witnessed a recent increase in acceptance with younger people deciding to visit the bingo parlors in place of the clubs on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the introduction of the anti smoking law throughout England and Wales.
Players will no longer be permitted to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 every public area will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favorite areas where players like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo halls. Profits have dropped and the business is literally fighting for its life. But where have all the players gone? Certainly they haven’t abandoned this age old game?
The answer is online. Gamblers know that they can enjoy bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and smoke and in the end, have a chance at huge jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course playing on the net is unlikely to replace the communal portion of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of people the law has left many bingo enthusiasts with little option.