A lot has been stated in the press not long ago about the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in England. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big aid to help keep the industry afloat. However will the internet adaptation of this classic game present a salvation, or will it in no way compare to its land based relative?
Bingo is an ancient game usually played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game lately had seen a recent return in popularity with younger members of society deciding to go to the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law around England and Wales.
Players will no longer be permitted to smoke whilst dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favored locations where people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlours. Players have plummeted and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Of course they haven’t forgotten this enduring game?
The answer is on the web. Players realise that they can wager on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and cig and still enjoy huge prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course wagering on online is unlikely to replace the collective portion of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left a number of bingo players with little choice.