An abundance has been reported in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry singing the blues because of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge aid to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. However does the net version of this quintessential game offer a salvation, or will it never compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo is an familiar game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had experienced a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo halls rather than the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the anti cigarette law all over UK.
No longer will gamblers be able to smoke while marking off their numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public locations will not be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favorite locations where people like to smoke.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo halls. Numbers have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Certainly they haven’t forgotten this age old game?
The answer is on the internet. Players know that they can enjoy bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beer and cigarette and still enjoy monstrous prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has happened just about perfectly with the ban on smoking.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the social aspect of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left many bingo players with little option.