An abundance has been stated in the press recently regarding the bingo industry being hit because of the anti smoking law in England. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. But does the internet version of this traditional game provide a lifeline, or might it never compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo is an enduring game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game lately had seen a recent return in acceptance with younger men and women opting to go to the bingo parlors instead of the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the introduction of the cigarette ban around United Kingdom.
Players will no longer be allowed to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 every public area will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular locations where folks enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo halls. Profits have dropped and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not given up on this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Players know that they can play bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and smoke and still enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself almost perfectly with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the social aspect of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the law has left a number of bingo players with no alternative.