Much has been written in the press not long ago concerning the bingo industry struggling because of the cigarette ban in Britain. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax breaks to help keep the industry afloat. However will the web variation of this traditional game offer a lifeline, or will it never compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo is an ancient game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game recently had seen a recent return in acceptance with younger men and women deciding to hit the bingo parlours rather than the discos on a weekend. All this is about to be destroyed with the introduction of the smoking ban throughout UK.
No longer will enthusiasts be permitted to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public location will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favored locations where folks enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo parlours. Numbers have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Obviously they have not forgotten this familiar game?
The answer is on the internet. People realise that they can play bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and cig and still enjoy monstrous jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on on the net could never replace the collective aspect of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the rules have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little choice.