Much has been reported in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big aid to help keep the businesses afloat. However can the online adaptation of this traditional game present a reprieve, or will it never compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo has been an enduring game usually played by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game lately had seen a recent resurgence in popularity with younger men and women deciding to hit the bingo parlours rather than the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the smoking ban all over Britain.
No more will enthusiasts be able to smoke while dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public areas will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most popular locations where players enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already forbidden in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plummeted and the business is literally struggling for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Obviously they have not forgotten this familiar game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers know that they can play bingo from their computer while enjoying a beverage and smoke and still have a chance at massive jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course playing online is unlikely to replace the collective portion of going down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of men and women the law has left many bingo players with no choice.
