An abundance has been stated in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry struggling as a result of the smoking ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But can the web version of this traditional game present a reprieve, or will it not compare to its real life equivalent?
Bingo is an familiar game normally played by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game lately had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger men and women deciding to hit the bingo parlours instead of the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the smoking ban around UK.
No more will enthusiasts be allowed to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public locations will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most popular places where players enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo halls. Profits have dropped and the business is literally fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Obviously they haven’t forgotten this age old game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers know that they can gamble on bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a beer and smoke and in the end, have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing online can never replace the social aspect of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little choice.