An abundance has been talked in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry struggling because of the anti smoking law in the UK. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested big tax cuts to help keep the industry afloat. However will the internet version of this traditional game present a lifeline, or might it never compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an age old game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game recently had experienced a recent increase in appeal with younger people opting to hit the bingo parlors rather than the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the legislating of the smoking ban throughout England and Wales.
No more will gamblers be permitted to smoke whilst marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite areas where folks like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plunged and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Certainly they have not forgotten this classic game?
The answer is on the web. Players realize that they can bet on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still enjoy massive prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the net could never replace the communal part of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of people the governing edicts have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with no option.
