Much has been talked in the press recently concerning the bingo industry singing the blues because of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry alive. But can the online variation of this quintessential game provide a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo is an age old game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game lately had seen a recent return in popularity with younger men and women opting to go to the bingo halls in place of the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to change with the introduction of the anti smoking law across United Kingdom.
No longer will gamblers be permitted to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 every public area will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite areas where people like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Players have dropped and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they have not cast aside this enduring game?
The answer is on the net. People are now realizing that they can participate in bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a drink and fag and still have a chance at massive prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on on the internet can never replace the social aspect of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the rules have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with no alternative.