A lot has been stated in the press just a while ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge tax cuts to help keep the industry afloat. But will the internet adaptation of this quintessential game present a reprieve, or might it not compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an familiar game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game lately had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo parlors rather than the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the smoking ban around England and Wales.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public area will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most popular places where folks enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo halls. Numbers have plunged and the business is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they have not abandoned this ancient game?
The answer is on the web. Players realize that they can gamble on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and in the end, have a chance at monstrous jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the web will never replace the communal part of going over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left a lot of bingo players with no alternative.
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