Much has been written in the press recently concerning the bingo industry being hit because of the cigarette ban in England. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive aid to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. But does the online variation of this classic game provide a salvation, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar kin?
Bingo has been an classic game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game lately had experienced a recent increase in appeal with younger men and women deciding to hit the bingo parlours in place of the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the enacting of the cigarette ban around Britain.
No more will gamblers be able to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public areas will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most popular areas where many people like to smoke.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo parlors. Players have dropped and the industry is absolutely fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not cast aside this age old game?
The answer is online. People realise that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and cig and in the end, have a chance at huge jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course wagering on on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the law has left a good many bingo enthusiasts with no option.
