An abundance has been written in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti cigarette law in the UK. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge aid to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. However does the online version of this classic game present a reprieve, or will it not compare to its land based relative?
Bingo has been an familiar game generally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game of late had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo halls instead of the bars on a weekend. This is all about to change with the legislating of the anti cigarette law throughout UK.
No more will enthusiasts be allowed to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public locations will not be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favored areas where people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo halls. Profits have plunged and the business is absolutely fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not forgotten this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers are now realizing that they can wager on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beer and cig and still enjoy massive prizes. This is a recent development and has timed itself just about perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the law has left many bingo enthusiasts with no choice.