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English ]
An abundance has been written in the papers recently about the bingo industry being hit as a consequence of the cigarette ban in the UK. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But can the online adaptation of this quintessential game offer a salvation, or will it in no way compare to its real life kin?
Bingo has been an ancient game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had witnessed a recent comeback in appeal with younger people opting to hit the bingo parlors in place of the clubs on a weekend. All this is about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law around Britain.
No more will players be able to smoke while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public areas will not be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular areas where folks enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already banned in the bingo parlours. Players have plummeted and the industry is absolutely fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Of course they have not forgotten this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. People are now realizing that they can play bingo from their computer while enjoying a drink and smoke and in the end, have a chance at massive prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the social part of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the law has left a good many bingo players with no choice.
