Much has been reported in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry struggling as a result of the cigarette ban in the United Kingdom. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. But can the internet version of this classic game present a escape, or might it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo has been an familiar game usually enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game lately had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo halls instead of the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the introduction of the smoking ban all over Britain.
Players will no longer be allowed to smoke whilst marking off their numbers. From the summer of ‘07 every public location will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most common places where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Players have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Obviously they have not forgotten this age old game?
The answer is on the web. Gamblers realise that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cig and still have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on on the net will never replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo players with no alternative.