Much has been written in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry singing the blues because of the smoking ban in England. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive tax breaks to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. But will the net version of this classic game present a lifeline, or will it never compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo has been an ancient game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game lately had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger people opting to visit the bingo parlors instead of the bars on a weekend. This is all about to change with the legislating of the cigarette ban across United Kingdom.
No longer will players be permitted to smoke while dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public places will not be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favored locations where many people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlours. Profits have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where have all the players gone? Certainly they have not given up on this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Players are now realizing that they can gamble on bingo from their computer while enjoying a beer and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at big cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on on the net can never replace the collective part of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the law has left a lot of bingo players with little option.
