A lot has been reported in the press just a while ago regarding the bingo industry being hit as a result of the smoking ban in England. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. However will the online adaptation of this quintessential game present a lifeline, or will it not compare to its bricks and mortar kin?
Bingo is an classic game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had seen a recent increase in appeal with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo halls rather than the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the enforcement of the smoking ban all over England and Wales.
Players will no longer be able to smoke whilst dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular locations where players enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Profits have plunged and the business is literally struggling for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not forgotten this enduring game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and cig and still enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing online is unlikely to replace the collective part of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the law has left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little option.