Much has been stated in the papers just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the cigarette ban in Britain. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. But will the net version of this quintessential game offer a escape, or will it never compare to its real life relative?
Bingo is an classic game normally played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had seen a recent return in popularity with younger men and women deciding to visit the bingo halls instead of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the smoking ban throughout UK.
No more will players be able to smoke whilst marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public areas will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most popular places where many people enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlours. Numbers have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Surely they haven’t abandoned this ancient game?
The answer is on the net. People know that they can play bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on on the internet is unlikely to replace the collective portion of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the law has left many bingo enthusiasts with little option.