Much has been talked in the papers recently about the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But can the online variation of this classic game provide a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar peer?
Bingo is an established game normally played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game recently had seen a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo halls rather than the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the cigarette ban throughout Britain.
No longer will enthusiasts be permitted to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public place will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular areas where people like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they haven’t deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. Players realise that they can enjoy bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cigarette and still have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course wagering on on the net is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of going down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of players the governing edicts have left a good many bingo enthusiasts with little option.