Much has been stated in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry struggling because of the anti cigarette 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. However does the online version of this traditional game provide a lifeline, or might it not compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an ancient game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had undergone a recent resurgence in appeal with younger people opting to visit the bingo parlours rather than the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the cigarette ban around United Kingdom.
No more will gamblers be permitted to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public areas will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular places where many people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already banned in the bingo parlors. Profits have dropped and the business is absolutely struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Obviously they have not cast aside this familiar game?
The answer is on the web. Players realize that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a drink and fag and in the end, enjoy huge prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course betting on on the internet is unlikely to replace the social part of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the rules have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.