An abundance has been written in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the smoking ban in England. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge aid to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. However does the web variation of this quintessential game offer a lifeline, or might it not compare to its land based relative?
Bingo has been an age old game usually enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game of late had undergone a recent increase in acceptance with younger men and women deciding to visit the bingo parlors rather than the bars on a weekend. This is all about to be destroyed with the legislating of the anti cigarette law across England and Wales.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes whilst dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite areas where folks enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already illegal in the bingo halls. Profits have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not forgotten this age old game?
The answer is on the web. Gamblers realise that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a beer and cig and in the end, enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the communal part of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.