Much has been reported in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry afloat. However will the online variation of this quintessential game provide a salvation, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo has been an familiar game usually enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game recently had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo parlors in place of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to change with the introduction of the anti smoking law around United Kingdom.
Players will no longer be allowed to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favored areas where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plunged and the business is absolutely fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Obviously they have not given up on this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can wager on bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a drink and smoke and still enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing online will never replace the collective aspect of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left a good many bingo enthusiasts with no option.