A lot has been talked in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry struggling because of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive tax cuts to help keep the businesses afloat. However can the net variation of this quintessential game present a salvation, or might it never compare to its real life peer?
Bingo is an ancient game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had experienced a recent return in acceptance with younger people opting to go to the bingo halls instead of the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the smoking ban throughout Britain.
Players will no longer be permitted to smoke while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favorite areas where players enjoy smoking.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo parlors. Players have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Obviously they have not abandoned this established game?
The answer is on the web. Players realize that they can gamble on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and smoke and still have a chance at massive prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on online will never replace the social part of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo players with no choice.