An abundance has been stated in the press just a while ago regarding the bingo industry struggling because of the cigarette ban in the United Kingdom. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax cuts to help keep the businesses afloat. But will the internet version of this quintessential game present a reprieve, or will it not compare to its bricks and mortar peer?
Bingo has been an age old game normally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had undergone a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo parlours rather than the bars on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the introduction of the smoking ban throughout United Kingdom.
No longer will enthusiasts be permitted to smoke while marking off their numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public places will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular areas where players enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Obviously they haven’t abandoned this familiar game?
The answer is online. Gamblers are now realizing that they can play bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beer and smoke and in the end, have a chance at massive jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on online is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of men and women the law has left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with no option.