An abundance has been written in the press just a while ago about the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti smoking law in England. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big tax breaks to help keep the businesses afloat. However will the web version of this traditional game offer a salvation, or will it in no way compare to its real life relative?
Bingo is an ancient game usually enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had seen a recent increase in popularity with younger people deciding to visit the bingo parlours in place of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the anti smoking law all over UK.
No more will gamblers be allowed to smoke while marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public locations will not be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular locations where people like to smoke.
The results of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo halls. Players have plunged and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Certainly they haven’t deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the web. Players realise that they can play bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a drink and cigarette and still enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course gambling on on the internet is unlikely to replace the social portion of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a group of people the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with no option.
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