Much has been reported in the press recently about the bingo industry being hurt because of the cigarette ban in Britain. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge tax breaks to help keep the businesses alive. However can the internet variation of this classic game present a reprieve, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo is an familiar game normally played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game lately had witnessed a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo halls in place of the discos on a weekend. This is all about to change with the legislating of the cigarette ban throughout England and Wales.
No longer will players be permitted to smoke while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public place will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite locations where many people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the business is literally fighting for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Of course they have not forgotten this age old game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can gamble on bingo using their computer while enjoying a beer and cig and in the end, enjoy monstrous cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on online is unlikely to replace the social part of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.