A lot has been stated in the press recently concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax breaks to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. But can the net adaptation of this classic game offer a escape, or might it never compare to its land based opposite?
Bingo is an ancient game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game recently had witnessed a recent resurgence in popularity with younger people opting to hit the bingo parlours in place of the bars on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the enforcement of the smoking ban all over Britain.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes whilst dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public place will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most popular places where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is 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? Surely they have not given up on this age old game?
The answer is on the net. People realize that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and in the end, enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on on the web can never replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of men and women the rules have left a lot of bingo players with little option.