An abundance has been stated in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hit because of the cigarette ban in Britain. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry afloat. However will the internet version of this quintessential game present a reprieve, or might it never compare to its land based peer?
Bingo is an age old game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game recently had seen a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger people opting to go to the bingo parlors rather than the clubs on a weekend. All this is about to be destroyed with the legislating of the cigarette ban around Britain.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public place will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favored areas where many people like to smoke.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already forbidden in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plunged and the industry is absolutely struggling for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the internet. Players are now realizing that they can participate in bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cig and still enjoy massive jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing online can never replace the communal portion of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of players the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with no choice.