A lot has been stated in the press recently about the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the anti cigarette law in England. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry alive. However does the online adaptation of this classic game offer a escape, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar equivalent?
Bingo has been an classic game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. However the game of late had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger people opting to visit the bingo halls instead of the bars on a weekend. All this is about to change with the legislating of the cigarette ban across Britain.
No longer will enthusiasts be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 every public area will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favorite locations where many people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they haven’t cast aside this classic game?
The answer is online. Gamblers know that they can play bingo using their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the internet can never replace the collective part of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.