Much has been reported in the press recently concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the smoking ban in England. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. But does the web adaptation of this classic game offer a reprieve, or might it never compare to its real life relative?
Bingo has been an familiar game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game recently had witnessed a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the enacting of the cigarette ban around United Kingdom.
No longer will enthusiasts be permitted to smoke whilst marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public locations will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favored locations where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo halls. Players have plummeted and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not deserted this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and smoke and in the end, have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the web is unlikely to replace the communal part of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with little choice.