An abundance has been reported in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hit because of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry afloat. However does the internet adaptation of this classic game present a lifeline, or will it never compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo has been an established game normally played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game recently had experienced a recent increase in acceptance with younger people deciding to hit the bingo parlours in place of the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law all over Britain.
Players will no longer be allowed to puff on cigarettes whilst dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite locations where folks enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Players have plunged and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t forgotten this enduring game?
The answer is on the net. Players are now realizing that they can participate in bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and smoke and still enjoy huge prizes. 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 heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of men and women the governing edicts have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.