A lot has been stated in the papers recently about the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive aid to help keep the industry alive. But does the online adaptation of this classic game present a lifeline, or might it not compare to its real life peer?
Bingo is an enduring game usually enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had experienced a recent return in acceptance with younger people opting to go to 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 Britain.
No longer will players be allowed to smoke while marking numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 every public location will not be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favorite areas where folks enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo halls. Players have plunged and the industry is absolutely struggling for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Certainly they haven’t forgotten this age old game?
The answer is on the net. People are now realizing that they can play bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and in the end, enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened almost perfectly with the ban on smoking.
Of course betting on on the internet is unlikely to replace the social part of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of people the rules have left many bingo players with little option.