An abundance has been stated in the press not long ago about the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the anti smoking law in Britain. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But does the online variation of this classic game present a reprieve, or might it not compare to its real life peer?
Bingo has been an familiar game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had experienced a recent return in popularity with younger people deciding to go to the bingo halls instead of the bars on a weekend. All this is about to be destroyed with the introduction of the anti smoking law all over United Kingdom.
Players will no longer be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most common locations where players like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo parlours. Profits have dropped and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. People realise that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a beverage and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at massive jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a group of men and women the law has left a number of bingo players with little choice.