A lot has been stated in the press recently concerning the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti smoking law in England. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry alive. But will the online version of this classic game present a escape, or will it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo has been an age old game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent return in acceptance with younger people deciding to go to the bingo parlours rather than the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the anti smoking law across UK.
No more will gamblers be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public locations will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular locations where people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Players have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not deserted this established game?
The answer is on the net. People are now realizing that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a beer and cig and still enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course playing on the web could never replace the collective part of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a group of men and women the rules have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little option.