Much has been reported in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hit as a result of the smoking ban in the UK. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax breaks to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. But does the net version of this quintessential game provide a lifeline, or will it never compare to its real life kin?
Bingo has been an familiar game normally played by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game of late had witnessed a recent resurgence in appeal with younger men and women deciding to go to the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to be reversed with the enacting of the anti cigarette law across UK.
No more will players be able to smoke at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The results of the smoking ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo parlours. Profits have dropped and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Of course they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is online. Gamblers realize that they can participate in bingo from their computer while enjoying a beverage and cigarette and still enjoy massive jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course betting on on the internet could never replace the collective portion of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo players with little choice.
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