A lot has been talked in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry struggling because of the anti smoking law in England. Things have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big tax breaks to help keep the industry alive. However does the net adaptation of this classic game provide a escape, or might it never compare to its real life relative?
Bingo has been an ancient game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game recently had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger people opting to hit the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the introduction of the smoking ban around England and Wales.
No longer will gamblers be permitted to smoke at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most popular locations where folks like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Profits have plummeted and the business is literally fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t forgotten this age old game?
The answer is on the web. Players know that they can gamble on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a drink and smoke and still enjoy big prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on on the net could never replace the social part of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of men and women the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with no choice.
