A lot has been written in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hit because of the smoking ban in the UK. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to help keep the businesses alive. But does the internet variation of this traditional game offer a reprieve, or will it never compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo is an enduring game generally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game lately had undergone a recent resurgence in popularity with younger people opting to go to the bingo halls in place of the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to change with the legislating of the anti cigarette law throughout Britain.
No longer will players be permitted to smoke whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public location will not be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favored locations where folks like to smoke.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already forbidden in the bingo parlors. Players have plunged and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Obviously they haven’t given up on this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realize that they can wager on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a drink and cigarette and still have a chance at huge jackpots. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on on the net is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with little choice.