Could the Anti Smoking Law in Britain Force Bingo Enthusiasts Online?
Much has been stated in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry struggling as a result of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge tax breaks to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. But does the web variation of this traditional game offer a lifeline, or might it never compare to its bricks and mortar peer?
Bingo has been an enduring game normally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlours instead of the discos on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the introduction of the smoking ban all over Britain.
No more will players be permitted to smoke whilst marking numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public areas will not be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular places where players enjoy smoking.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Players have dropped and the industry is absolutely fighting for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not abandoned this established game?
The answer is on the internet. People are now realizing that they can gamble on bingo using their computer while enjoying a drink and fag and in the end, enjoy huge prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.
Of course betting on online is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of players the law has left a good many bingo enthusiasts with no choice.