An abundance has been talked in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti cigarette law in England. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested big tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But can the internet variation of this quintessential game present a lifeline, or will it never compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo is an familiar game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game lately had seen a recent return in acceptance with younger people deciding to go to the bingo halls instead of the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law across UK.
No more will players be permitted to smoke whilst dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favorite places where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Profits have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they have not forgotten this enduring game?
The answer is online. People realize that they can play bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and cig and in the end, have a chance at massive prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course playing on the web is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little choice.