An abundance has been reported in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the cigarette ban in Britain. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But does the net version of this classic game provide a lifeline, or will it never compare to its land based opposite?
Bingo is an established game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game lately had witnessed a recent comeback in appeal with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlours instead of the clubs on a weekend. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the anti cigarette law around United Kingdom.
No more will enthusiasts be able to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public places will not be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most popular locations where people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already illegal in the bingo parlors. Profits have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Certainly they haven’t forgotten this familiar game?
The answer is on the web. Players are now realizing that they can play bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and fag and still enjoy massive prizes. This is a recent development and has timed itself almost perfectly with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course playing on the web could never replace the social aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of people the governing edicts have left many bingo players with no choice.