Much has been talked in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the cigarette ban in England. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry alive. But can the internet version of this traditional game present a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo has been an ancient game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game recently had witnessed a recent resurgence in popularity with younger people deciding to visit the bingo halls instead of the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law around Britain.
Players will no longer be allowed to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public place will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favored locations where people enjoy smoking.
The results of the cigarette ban can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo halls. Players have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Obviously they haven’t forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the web. Players are now realizing that they can bet on bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beer and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself almost perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing online can never replace the collective aspect of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left a good many bingo enthusiasts with little option.