A lot has been written in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the smoking ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge aid to assist in keeping the industry afloat. However will the web variation of this classic game present a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo is an familiar game usually enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game recently had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a weekend. All this is about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the anti smoking law throughout UK.
No more will gamblers be able to puff on cigarettes whilst dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public place will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most common areas where players like to puff on cigarettes.
The results of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo halls. Numbers have plunged and the business is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not forgotten this established game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realize that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and fag and in the end, have a chance at big cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on on the net is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of men and women the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with no option.