Posted by Jace | Posted in Bingo | Posted on 11-07-2008
Much has been written in the press recently concerning the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. But will the online variation of this quintessential game provide a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar equivalent?
Bingo has been an familiar game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. However the game lately had experienced a recent resurgence in appeal with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo parlors in place of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the legislating of the smoking ban throughout England and Wales.
No more will gamblers be permitted to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public location will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favorite places where players like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already illegal in the bingo halls. Numbers have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Certainly they haven’t given up on this ancient game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers know that they can gamble on bingo from their computer while enjoying a drink and smoke and still have a chance at massive prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course betting on on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of men and women the governing edicts have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little option.