An abundance has been stated in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hit because of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax breaks to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However will the web variation of this classic game present a reprieve, or might it never compare to its real life relative?
Bingo has been an enduring game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game of late had undergone a recent resurgence in appeal with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo halls rather than the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enacting of the anti smoking law across Britain.
No longer will gamblers be allowed to smoke while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favorite locations where players enjoy smoking.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo parlors. Players have plummeted and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Certainly they have not deserted this ancient game?
The answer is online. People realize that they can play bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and smoke and still enjoy huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course wagering on on the net is unlikely to replace the collective portion of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of players the law has left a lot of bingo players with no option.