Much has been written in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry being hit as a result of the smoking ban in the UK. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. But can the net version of this classic game present a reprieve, or might it never compare to its real life equivalent?
Bingo is an ancient game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game lately had undergone a recent comeback in appeal with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo parlours instead of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the cigarette ban across England and Wales.
Players will no longer be allowed to smoke whilst dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite places where players enjoy smoking.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlors. Players have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Surely they haven’t forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realize that they can play bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cig and still have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent development and has happened almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the internet will never replace the communal portion of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the law has left a number of bingo players with no option.