An abundance has been stated in the press just a while ago about the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive tax breaks to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. However can the net variation of this traditional game offer a reprieve, or might it never compare to its bricks and mortar kin?
Bingo is an classic game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger men and women deciding to hit the bingo halls in place of the bars on a Saturday night. All this is about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law throughout UK.
Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time dabbing numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite areas where people like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo halls. Profits have plunged and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they haven’t forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. People realise that they can play bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on on the net is unlikely to replace the social part of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the rules have left a good many bingo enthusiasts with little choice.