A lot has been written in the papers recently about the bingo industry struggling because of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the net version of this classic game present a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an age old game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent increase in popularity with younger men and women opting to visit the bingo parlors in place of the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the cigarette ban across England and Wales.
No more will gamblers be allowed to puff on cigarettes while dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public place will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite places where players enjoy smoking.
The results of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not given up on this classic game?
The answer is on the web. Players know that they can gamble on bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and cigarette and still enjoy massive prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course betting on online will never replace the collective portion of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of people the governing edicts have left many bingo enthusiasts with no choice.