Much has been written in the press not long ago about the bingo industry being hit as a consequence of the smoking ban in the UK. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses alive. But does the net variation of this traditional game present a lifeline, or might it never compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an classic game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent return in popularity with younger members of society deciding to go to the bingo parlours instead of the bars on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the anti smoking law all over England and Wales.
No more will enthusiasts be allowed to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favored places where people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already banned in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Obviously they haven’t given up on this established game?
The answer is on the net. People realize that they can bet on bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and smoke and in the end, enjoy monstrous jackpots. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course gambling on on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the law has left a number of bingo enthusiasts with no alternative.