A lot has been reported in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry struggling because of the smoking ban in England. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax breaks to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However does the internet variation of this quintessential game present a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an enduring game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game recently had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger people deciding to go to the bingo parlors rather than the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enacting of the anti cigarette law throughout United Kingdom.
No more will gamblers be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most common locations where people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo parlors. Profits have dropped and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Surely they haven’t cast aside this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can enjoy bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and fag and still have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course betting on on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal portion of going down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the law has left many bingo players with little option.