Much has been reported in the press recently concerning the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But will the internet variation of this traditional game offer a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo is an ancient game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game lately had seen a recent resurgence in appeal with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlours rather than the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the legislating of the anti cigarette law around England and Wales.
No longer will players be permitted to smoke whilst marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public places will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most popular locations where people like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Numbers have dropped and the industry is absolutely fighting for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Obviously they haven’t cast aside this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Players know that they can enjoy bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and cig and still have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the social aspect of going over to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the rules have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little option.