An abundance has been reported in the papers just a while ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big aid to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. However will the internet variation of this classic game offer a reprieve, or might it not compare to its real life relative?
Bingo is an age old game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had seen a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo parlours rather than the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to change with the introduction of the anti cigarette law throughout United Kingdom.
No longer will gamblers be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public areas will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most popular locations where people like to smoke.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Players have plunged and the industry is literally struggling for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Of course they have not cast aside this age old game?
The answer is on the internet. Players realise that they can gamble on bingo from their computer while enjoying a cocktail and fag and in the end, have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on on the net will never replace the social portion of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the law has left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with no choice.