Much has been reported in the press not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hit as a consequence of the anti smoking law in Britain. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested big tax breaks to help keep the businesses afloat. However does the web adaptation of this quintessential game present a escape, or might it in no way compare to its land based relative?
Bingo has been an enduring game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had experienced a recent comeback in appeal with younger people deciding to go to the bingo parlours in place of the bars on a weekend. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the smoking ban around England and Wales.
No longer will players be allowed to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public locations will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most common locations where players enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already illegal in the bingo parlours. Profits have plummeted and the business is literally struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Of course they have not deserted this classic game?
The answer is on the web. People realise that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a drink and smoke and in the end, have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself just about perfectly with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course betting on on the internet is unlikely to replace the collective part of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of people the governing edicts have left a good many bingo enthusiasts with no option.