An abundance has been talked in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the cigarette ban in England. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge aid to assist in keeping the businesses alive. However can the online adaptation of this quintessential game present a lifeline, or might it not compare to its bricks and mortar peer?
Bingo has been an familiar game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game of late had seen a recent increase in popularity with younger people deciding to visit the bingo parlors rather than the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law throughout England and Wales.
No more will players be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favorite areas where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already forbidden in the bingo parlors. Players have plunged and the business is absolutely fighting for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Surely they have not abandoned this enduring game?
The answer is on the internet. People realise that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has happened almost perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course betting on online could never replace the communal part of going down to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the law has left a good many bingo players with no alternative.