An abundance has been stated in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry singing the blues because of the anti cigarette law in the UK. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However can the online adaptation of this quintessential game provide a reprieve, or will it not compare to its real life peer?
Bingo is an enduring game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger men and women deciding to visit the bingo parlours instead of the bars on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the legislating of the anti smoking law across United Kingdom.
No longer will enthusiasts be allowed to puff on cigarettes whilst marking numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favorite areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlours. Numbers have dropped and the industry is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Players realize that they can participate in bingo using their computer while enjoying a cocktail and smoke and in the end, have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course playing online is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the rules have left a good many bingo players with no choice.