Much has been talked in the papers just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the cigarette ban in England. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax cuts to help keep the industry alive. But can the internet version of this classic game provide a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its land based kin?
Bingo is an familiar game normally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had witnessed a recent return in acceptance with younger men and women opting to visit the bingo parlours instead of the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law all over England and Wales.
Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public locations will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favorite locations where folks like to puff on cigarettes.
The results of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already banned in the bingo parlors. Profits have plummeted and the industry is literally fighting for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Certainly they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the internet. Players are now realizing that they can gamble on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and fag and in the end, have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent development and has happened just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on on the web is unlikely to replace the social part of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with little option.