An abundance has been written in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti smoking law in England. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the net version of this classic game provide a reprieve, or will it not compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an enduring game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. However the game recently had witnessed a recent comeback in appeal with younger men and women opting to go to the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to change with the enforcement of the anti smoking law across England and Wales.
No longer will players be permitted to smoke while dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favorite areas where players like to smoke.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlours. Numbers have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where have all the players gone? Surely they haven’t deserted this ancient game?
The answer is online. People realize that they can enjoy bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beer and fag and still enjoy massive cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the web will never replace the social aspect of going down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo players with little alternative.