An abundance has been stated in the press recently about the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the businesses alive. However will the internet variation of this traditional game offer a reprieve, or might it never compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo has been an classic game normally played by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game lately had seen a recent comeback in appeal with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo parlors instead of the bars on a weekend. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the anti smoking law all over UK.
No longer will enthusiasts be allowed to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public place will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular locations where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo parlors. Profits have plummeted and the business is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they haven’t forgotten this age old game?
The answer is online. People are now realizing that they can bet on bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a drink and cigarette and still enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course betting on online can never replace the social part of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of men and women the law has left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with no alternative.