Much has been written in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry struggling because of the anti cigarette law in the UK. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. However does the net variation of this quintessential game provide a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its land based peer?
Bingo is an established game generally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had seen a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo parlors in place of the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the introduction of the anti smoking law throughout United Kingdom.
No more will players be able to puff on cigarettes whilst dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public locations will not be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favored areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already forbidden in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plummeted and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Of course they have not given up on this established game?
The answer is on the internet. People realise that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and fag and in the end, have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the net will never replace the collective aspect of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left many bingo players with little alternative.