An abundance has been stated in the papers recently about the bingo industry struggling because of the anti cigarette law in England. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested big tax breaks to help keep the businesses alive. However will the internet version of this quintessential game offer a salvation, or will it never compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an age old game usually enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo parlours rather than the clubs on a Friday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the enacting of the anti cigarette law all over Britain.
No longer will gamblers be allowed to smoke while dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public areas will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most common locations where many people like to smoke.
The results of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not abandoned this enduring game?
The answer is online. People realise that they can play bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a beer and smoke and in the end, have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has happened almost perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on on the net will never replace the collective portion of going down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of people the rules have left many bingo players with little option.