A lot has been stated in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hit because of the cigarette ban in the United Kingdom. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big tax breaks to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However does the web adaptation of this classic game provide a salvation, or will it in no way compare to its land based peer?
Bingo is an classic game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game of late had experienced a recent return in acceptance with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law across United Kingdom.
No longer will players be permitted to puff on cigarettes at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public areas will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most popular locations where players like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo halls. Profits have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Of course they haven’t forgotten this familiar game?
The answer is online. Players know that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a beer and smoke and in the end, have a chance at monstrous prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal portion of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little option.