A lot has been stated in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry struggling because of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge tax cuts to help keep the industry afloat. But will the internet version of this traditional game present a reprieve, or will it not compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an age old game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game lately had witnessed a recent comeback in acceptance with younger people opting to go to the bingo parlours in place of the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to change with the enforcement of the cigarette ban throughout UK.
No longer will enthusiasts be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most popular locations where players enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Obviously they have not given up on this established game?
The answer is on the internet. Players realize that they can participate in bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still have a chance at big cash rewards. This is a recent development and has happened just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course betting on on the internet will never replace the communal part of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left many bingo players with no alternative.