A lot has been reported in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the cigarette ban in the UK. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge aid to assist in keeping the businesses alive. But can the web version of this quintessential game offer a reprieve, or will it not compare to its land based opposite?
Bingo is an enduring game normally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had seen a recent comeback in appeal with younger people deciding to visit the bingo halls instead of the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the anti cigarette law around Britain.
No more will gamblers be able to smoke at the same time marking numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most common locations where players enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo halls. Profits have plunged and the business is absolutely struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Surely they have not given up on this classic game?
The answer is on the net. Players realise that they can participate in bingo using their computer while enjoying a beverage and fag and still enjoy massive prizes. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course gambling on on the internet could never replace the social aspect of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with no option.