A lot has been written in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge aid to help keep the businesses alive. But can the internet adaptation of this quintessential game provide a salvation, or might it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo is an classic game generally played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game of late had seen a recent increase in appeal with younger men and women opting to hit the bingo parlors rather than the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to change with the legislating of the cigarette ban around Britain.
No more will players be permitted to smoke while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favorite areas where folks like to smoke.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Profits have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Certainly they have not given up on this ancient game?
The answer is on the web. People know that they can participate in bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a drink and smoke and in the end, enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on online is unlikely to replace the social part of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the governing edicts have left many bingo players with no option.