Much has been written in the press not long ago concerning the bingo industry struggling as a result of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive tax breaks to help keep the industry afloat. However can the net variation of this traditional game present a reprieve, or will it in no way compare to its land based peer?
Bingo has been an enduring game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game of late had experienced a recent return in popularity with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo parlors rather than the bars on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the smoking ban all over UK.
Players will no longer be able to smoke whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public location will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favorite areas where people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo parlours. Numbers have dropped and the industry is absolutely fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Of course they have not given up on this enduring game?
The answer is on the net. Players know that they can wager on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and smoke and in the end, enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has happened almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the internet could never replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left a number of bingo players with little choice.