Much has been stated in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the cigarette ban in the UK. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive aid to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. However will the web adaptation of this traditional game present a lifeline, or might it never compare to its real life relative?
Bingo has been an age old game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game of late had witnessed a recent resurgence in appeal with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo halls instead of the discos on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the enforcement of the smoking ban across England and Wales.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public place will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti cigarette law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already banned in the bingo halls. Numbers have dropped and the industry is absolutely fighting for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Of course they haven’t deserted this ancient game?
The answer is on the net. People are now realizing that they can wager on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and fag and still have a chance at monstrous prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the social aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of players the law has left many bingo players with no alternative.