Much has been reported in the papers just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hit as a result of the cigarette ban in Britain. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. However does the online adaptation of this traditional game provide a lifeline, or will it not compare to its bricks and mortar kin?
Bingo has been an age old game generally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game of late had seen a recent resurgence in appeal with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo halls instead of the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the smoking ban across United Kingdom.
No more will enthusiasts be able to smoke at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public areas will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favored locations where many people enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo halls. Profits have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. People realise that they can gamble on bingo using their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cig and in the end, have a chance at big cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on on the net can never replace the communal portion of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of players the rules have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with no option.