Much has been stated in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hit because of the anti smoking law in England. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge tax breaks to help keep the businesses afloat. But does the internet variation of this classic game present a escape, or might it in no way compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an enduring game generally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had undergone a recent increase in popularity with younger men and women opting to visit the bingo parlours in place of the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the cigarette ban across England and Wales.
No longer will players be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 every public location will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favored areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo halls. Numbers have plummeted and the business is literally fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Certainly they have not deserted this ancient game?
The answer is online. Players realize that they can enjoy bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and smoke and still have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has happened almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the social part of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the rules have left a good many bingo enthusiasts with little choice.