Can the Smoking Ban in England Drive Bingo Enthusiasts On to the Internet?
An abundance has been reported in the press recently regarding the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But will the web variation of this quintessential game present a salvation, or might it not compare to its land based kin?
Bingo has been an classic game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game lately had undergone a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo halls rather than the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law all over England and Wales.
No more will gamblers be permitted to puff on cigarettes at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public areas will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favored areas where many people enjoy smoking.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo parlours. Profits have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t abandoned this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers know that they can wager on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and smoke and in the end, enjoy big jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on on the net will never replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo hall, but for a group of people the law has left many bingo players with little option.