A lot has been reported in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the cigarette ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But will the net variation of this quintessential game offer a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar equivalent?
Bingo is an ancient game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game lately had seen a recent return in acceptance with younger men and women opting to hit the bingo parlours rather than the bars on a weekend. This is all about to be destroyed with the introduction of the smoking ban across UK.
No longer will players be permitted to puff on cigarettes while dabbing numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public location will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favorite places where folks enjoy smoking.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo halls. Profits have plunged and the industry is absolutely fighting for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Obviously they haven’t forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realise that they can participate in bingo using their computer while enjoying a beverage and fag and in the end, have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent development and has timed itself just about perfectly with the ban on smoking.
Of course playing online is unlikely to replace the collective portion of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of players the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with no option.