A lot has been stated in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested big tax cuts to help keep the industry alive. But does the internet version of this quintessential game offer a salvation, or will it not compare to its real life opposite?
Bingo is an familiar game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game recently had seen a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger people opting to visit the bingo parlours in place of the bars on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti smoking law throughout United Kingdom.
No longer will players be permitted to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public location will not be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favorite places where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlours. Players have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Of course they have not abandoned this ancient game?
The answer is online. Gamblers know that they can play bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cig and in the end, have a chance at big cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course gambling on on the net is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the rules have left a number of bingo players with no option.