Much has been stated in the press not long ago about the bingo industry struggling as a result of the anti cigarette law in England. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax breaks to help keep the industry alive. However can the net adaptation of this classic game offer a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its land based peer?
Bingo is an familiar game normally played by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game recently had witnessed a recent resurgence in appeal with younger people deciding to go to the bingo halls rather than the clubs on a Saturday night. All this is about to be destroyed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law across Britain.
No longer will gamblers be able to smoke at the same time marking numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public areas will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favorite locations where people like to smoke.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo parlors. Profits have dropped and the business is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they have not cast aside this ancient game?
The answer is on the web. Gamblers realise that they can bet on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and fag and still have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent development and has happened almost perfectly with the ban on smoking.
Of course betting on on the web is unlikely to replace the collective portion of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of men and women the law has left a lot of bingo players with little choice.
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