Much has been talked in the press just a while ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the anti smoking law in Britain. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However can the net adaptation of this traditional game offer a escape, or will it not compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an ancient game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game lately had witnessed a recent comeback in acceptance with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo halls instead of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the introduction of the smoking ban throughout England and Wales.
No longer will gamblers be allowed to smoke while marking off their numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public areas will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most popular areas where many people like to smoke.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Certainly they haven’t cast aside this age old game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers know that they can enjoy bingo using their computer while enjoying a beverage and fag and still have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has happened almost perfectly with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course betting on on the internet can never replace the social part of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left a number of bingo players with little choice.