An abundance has been reported in the press just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hit as a result of the smoking ban in England. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive aid to assist in keeping the businesses alive. But does the net variation of this quintessential game offer a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an classic game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game recently had seen a recent comeback in appeal with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo parlors instead of the clubs on a Saturday night. All this is about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti smoking law across United Kingdom.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to smoke whilst dabbing numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public location will not be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular locations where many people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plummeted and the industry is literally fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Certainly they haven’t deserted this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Players are now realizing that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing online is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the rules have left a number of bingo players with no option.