A lot has been written in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti cigarette law in England. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. However will the internet adaptation of this classic game offer a lifeline, or will it not compare to its real life peer?
Bingo is an established game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game lately had witnessed a recent return in acceptance with younger people deciding to hit the bingo parlours instead of the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the smoking ban around United Kingdom.
Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular places where many people like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Of course they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. Players realize that they can play bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beer and cig and in the end, have a chance at monstrous prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on on the web will never replace the communal part of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a group of people the rules have left a good many bingo players with no option.
