Can the Cigarette Ban in Britain Drive Bingo Players On to the Web?
Much has been reported in the press recently concerning the bingo industry struggling because of the anti cigarette law in the United Kingdom. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But will the net version of this classic game offer a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its land based kin?
Bingo is an classic game usually enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game of late had witnessed a recent return in acceptance with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlours rather than the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to be destroyed with the legislating of the anti cigarette law around England and Wales.
No more will enthusiasts be allowed to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite locations where folks like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plummeted and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t given up on this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realise that they can participate in bingo from their computer while enjoying a beverage and smoke and in the end, have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened almost perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on online is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a group of men and women the rules have left a lot of bingo players with no choice.