Much has been talked in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry alive. But will the internet version of this traditional game present a reprieve, or might it not compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo has been an classic game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. However the game of late had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo halls in place of the bars on a weekend. This is all about to change with the legislating of the anti cigarette law throughout United Kingdom.
No more will gamblers be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public areas will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favored places where players like to smoke.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo halls. Players have dropped and the business is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they haven’t deserted this age old game?
The answer is online. People know that they can bet on bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened almost perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course betting on on the internet is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the law has left a good many bingo players with no alternative.