Much has been written in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the cigarette ban in the UK. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge aid to help keep the industry from going bankrupt. However does the internet version of this traditional game offer a escape, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar peer?
Bingo is an established game normally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game lately had seen a recent increase in popularity with younger men and women opting to go to the bingo parlours rather than the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti smoking law across United Kingdom.
Players will no longer be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 every public place will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most popular locations where people like to smoke.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already prohibited in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Surely they have not cast aside this age old game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers realise that they can enjoy bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course gambling on on the web can never replace the social portion of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the rules have left a lot of bingo players with little option.