Much has been talked in the press not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in the UK. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big aid to assist in keeping the industry alive. However does the internet version of this classic game offer a reprieve, or will it never compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo has been an established game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game recently had experienced a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger men and women deciding to hit the bingo halls rather than the bars on a Saturday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law around England and Wales.
No longer will players be allowed to smoke whilst marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favorite places where folks like to smoke.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the industry is literally fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Obviously they have not deserted this enduring game?
The answer is on the internet. People realize that they can play bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a beer and cigarette and still enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the web could never replace the social aspect of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of people the rules have left a lot of bingo players with little choice.