Will the Smoking Ban in Britain Force Bingo Players Online?
Much has been reported in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the smoking ban in England. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax cuts to help keep the industry alive. However will the net version of this classic game provide a lifeline, or will it never compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an established game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game lately had undergone a recent increase in appeal with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo parlours in place of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the smoking ban across Britain.
No longer will gamblers be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most common areas where many people like to smoke.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlours. Profits have dropped and the industry is absolutely struggling for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Of course they haven’t deserted this ancient game?
The answer is on the internet. Players are now realizing that they can wager on bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and cigarette and still enjoy massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the net is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of players the rules have left a number of bingo players with no option.