A lot has been talked in the press just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax cuts to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. However will the internet adaptation of this traditional game provide a lifeline, or will it never compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo has been an age old game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game lately had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger members of society deciding to go to the bingo halls in place of the bars on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the introduction of the anti smoking law throughout Britain.
No more will enthusiasts be able to smoke while marking off their numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite areas where players like to smoke.
The effects of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Obviously they have not deserted this established game?
The answer is on the internet. People realise that they can enjoy bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and fag and still have a chance at big cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left a good many bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.
April 1st, 2023
Tamara
Leave a reply