A lot has been reported in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the cigarette ban in Britain. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. But will the net adaptation of this quintessential game offer a lifeline, or might it not compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an enduring game usually played by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game of late had undergone a recent increase in appeal with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo halls in place of the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the legislating of the anti smoking law all over UK.
No more will gamblers be permitted to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public areas will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favorite locations where people like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already illegal in the bingo parlours. Profits have plunged and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Of course they have not deserted this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Players realize that they can participate in bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a drink and cig and in the end, have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself just about perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on on the net is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with no choice.