A lot has been written in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hit because of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive aid to assist in keeping the industry alive. But does the net variation of this traditional game offer a escape, or might it not compare to its real life equivalent?
Bingo is an enduring game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game lately had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger men and women deciding to go to the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a weekend. All this is about to change with the legislating of the anti smoking law throughout Britain.
No longer will gamblers be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public place will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most common places where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo parlours. Profits have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they have not abandoned this enduring game?
The answer is on the web. Players are now realizing that they can gamble on bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and cigarette and still have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal part of going down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left many bingo players with no choice.