An abundance has been talked in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hit as a consequence of the smoking ban in the UK. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge tax cuts to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. However can the online variation of this quintessential game provide a reprieve, or will it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo is an ancient game normally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game recently had seen a recent resurgence in popularity with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo halls rather than the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to be reversed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law all over Britain.
No longer will enthusiasts be permitted to smoke whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite locations where people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already forbidden in the bingo halls. Profits have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Surely they haven’t abandoned this ancient game?
The answer is on the net. Players are now realizing that they can play bingo using their computer while enjoying a drink and cig and still enjoy massive prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course betting on on the internet could never replace the collective portion of going down to the bingo hall, but for a group of men and women the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo players with no option.
