An abundance has been written in the press just a while ago about the bingo industry being hit as a result of the smoking ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big aid to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. But does the internet variation of this quintessential game present a salvation, or will it not compare to its real life peer?
Bingo is an enduring game generally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger men and women opting to hit the bingo halls in place of the clubs on a weekend. This is all about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law all over England and Wales.
No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes whilst dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most common areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The results of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Players have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Obviously they have not cast aside this age old game?
The answer is online. Players are now realizing that they can participate in bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a drink and fag and in the end, have a chance at monstrous jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened almost perfectly with the ban on smoking.
Of course playing online is unlikely to replace the social part of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of people the law has left a good many bingo players with little option.