An abundance has been written in the press not long ago about the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the anti cigarette law in the UK. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big aid to help keep the industry afloat. However can the net version of this quintessential game provide a reprieve, or might it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo has been an established game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had witnessed a recent return in popularity with younger men and women opting to go to the bingo parlours in place of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law throughout UK.
No longer will players be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most popular areas where many people like to smoke.
The results of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Profits have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not forgotten this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. People know that they can gamble on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and cigarette and still have a chance at massive prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course wagering on online will never replace the communal portion of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of people the rules have left many bingo players with no alternative.