Much has been stated in the papers just a while ago regarding the bingo industry struggling as a result of the anti cigarette law in the UK. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. But does the internet variation of this traditional game present a salvation, or might it never compare to its real life opposite?
Bingo is an ancient game usually played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game recently had witnessed a recent comeback in acceptance with younger people deciding to hit the bingo halls in place of the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the smoking ban all over Britain.
Players will no longer be allowed to smoke while dabbing numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public area will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite places where many people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already forbidden in the bingo parlors. Players have plunged and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they haven’t cast aside this familiar game?
The answer is on the internet. People realise that they can bet on bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and still have a chance at huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself almost perfectly with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course gambling on on the net will never replace the collective aspect of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of men and women the rules have left many bingo players with little option.