A lot has been written in the press recently about the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti smoking law in Britain. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive aid to help keep the businesses alive. But will the web version of this traditional game present a reprieve, or might it in no way compare to its land based opposite?
Bingo is an enduring game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had witnessed a recent return in popularity with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo parlors rather than the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the introduction of the anti smoking law across United Kingdom.
No more will gamblers be allowed to puff on cigarettes whilst dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public place will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most popular locations where people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo parlours. Players have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt struggling 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 realise that they can participate in bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a beer and cig and in the end, have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the web will never replace the collective portion of going down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the governing edicts have left a number of bingo players with little option.