Much has been written in the press recently regarding the bingo industry being hit as a consequence of the anti smoking law in Britain. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. But will the internet version of this quintessential game present a reprieve, or might it in no way compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an established game usually played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had seen a recent return in appeal with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo parlors instead of the bars on a weekend. All this is about to be reversed with the legislating of the smoking ban across UK.
Players will no longer be permitted to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favored locations where players like to smoke.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already illegal in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not abandoned this age old game?
The answer is online. Players are now realizing that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a beer and fag and in the end, enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on on the net is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of people the law has left a number of bingo enthusiasts with no option.