An abundance has been talked in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the cigarette ban in England. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive tax cuts to help keep the businesses afloat. But does the net adaptation of this quintessential game offer a escape, or will it in no way compare to its land based peer?
Bingo has been an classic game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had experienced a recent return in appeal with younger people opting to hit the bingo parlors instead of the clubs on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the legislating of the anti cigarette law around Britain.
No more will players be permitted to smoke while marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most popular places where people enjoy smoking.
The results of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Of course they have not abandoned this age old game?
The answer is online. Gamblers realize that they can play bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a beer and smoke and in the end, have a chance at monstrous jackpots. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on on the web is unlikely to replace the social part of going over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the governing edicts have left a good many bingo players with no choice.