A lot has been stated in the press not long ago concerning the bingo industry being hit as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in England. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax breaks to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. But does the internet variation of this quintessential game offer a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its land based peer?
Bingo is an age old game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game recently had undergone a recent return in popularity with younger people deciding to hit the bingo parlours rather than the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the anti smoking law all over UK.
Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public location will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most common areas where players enjoy smoking.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Obviously they have not cast aside this ancient game?
The answer is on the web. Gamblers are now realizing that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and fag and still enjoy massive prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened just about perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on on the internet can never replace the collective part of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of players the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with little option.
