Much has been stated in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the cigarette ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge aid to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. However will the web version of this traditional game provide a reprieve, or will it in no way compare to its land based relative?
Bingo is an enduring game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game of late had undergone a recent resurgence in appeal with younger men and women deciding to visit the bingo halls rather than the bars on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law all over Britain.
No longer will gamblers be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public areas will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favored locations where many people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo halls. Profits have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is online. People realise that they can wager on bingo using their computer while enjoying a beer and smoke and in the end, have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing online is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the law has left a lot of bingo players with little choice.