[ English ]

Much has been stated in the press recently about the bingo industry singing the blues because of the smoking ban in Britain. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. But can the internet version of this quintessential game present a escape, or might it not compare to its land based equivalent?

Bingo has been an classic game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent resurgence in popularity with younger people deciding to hit the bingo parlors instead of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law throughout United Kingdom.

Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes while dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public areas will not be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most common areas where many people enjoy smoking.

The effects of the smoking ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo halls. Numbers have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they haven’t deserted this classic game?

The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realize that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and fag and still have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.

Of course betting on on the net can never replace the social portion of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the law has left a good many bingo players with little option.