A lot has been stated in the press not long ago about the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax cuts to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But will the online adaptation of this classic game present a salvation, or will it in no way compare to its land based peer?
Bingo has been an classic game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game lately had experienced a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo halls instead of the clubs on a Friday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the smoking ban throughout United Kingdom.
Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public area will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favorite areas where players like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Profits have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not cast aside this familiar game?
The answer is on the web. Gamblers realize that they can wager on bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and fag and in the end, enjoy massive prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on on the internet is unlikely to replace the social portion of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of people the governing edicts have left a good many bingo players with little option.