Much has been reported in the papers just a while ago about the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the cigarette ban in the UK. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry alive. But will the internet version of this traditional game offer a salvation, or will it in no way compare to its land based peer?
Bingo has been an established game generally played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game recently had experienced a recent increase in popularity with younger people deciding to visit the bingo halls in place of the clubs on a Friday night. All this is about to be destroyed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law all over UK.
Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most common areas where people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plunged and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they have not deserted this enduring game?
The answer is on the internet. People know that they can participate in bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a beer and cig and in the end, have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course betting on on the internet is unlikely to replace the social aspect of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a group of people the rules have left many bingo players with little choice.