A lot has been reported in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive aid to help keep the industry afloat. But can the internet variation of this traditional game provide a lifeline, or will it not compare to its land based relative?
Bingo has been an enduring game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. However the game recently had undergone a recent increase in appeal with younger members of society deciding to go to the bingo halls rather than the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the cigarette ban around United Kingdom.
No more will gamblers be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time dabbing numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public locations will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most common places where folks enjoy smoking.
The results of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo halls. Profits have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not cast aside this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realize that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and in the end, enjoy monstrous jackpots. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course betting on on the web could never replace the social part of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of players the rules have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little choice.