An abundance has been written in the press recently regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in the UK. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge tax cuts to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However can the internet variation of this quintessential game present a lifeline, or might it never compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an enduring game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game recently had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger people deciding to hit the bingo parlors in place of the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the cigarette ban around Britain.
Players will no longer be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public locations will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most popular locations where folks enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlors. Players have dropped and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Of course they haven’t cast aside this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can bet on bingo from their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent development and has timed itself just about perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on online will never replace the communal part of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of men and women the law has left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little choice.