Much has been stated in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry struggling as a result of the cigarette ban in England. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big aid to assist in keeping the industry afloat. However will the online variation of this classic game offer a salvation, or will it not compare to its land based opposite?
Bingo has been an established game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger people opting to hit the bingo halls instead of the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to be destroyed with the enacting of the anti smoking law all over United Kingdom.
No more will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes while dabbing numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public place will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favored areas where many people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already forbidden in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plunged and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they have not given up on this classic game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers know that they can participate in bingo using their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on online can never replace the social aspect of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of people the governing edicts have left many bingo players with little choice.