Much has been stated in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry struggling as a result of the anti smoking law in England. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry alive. But does the online version of this quintessential game offer a lifeline, or might it never compare to its land based relative?
Bingo is an classic game normally played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent comeback in appeal with younger people opting to go to the bingo halls instead of the discos on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the legislating of the anti smoking law across United Kingdom.
No longer will gamblers be allowed to smoke at the same time marking off their numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public area will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favorite areas where folks like to smoke.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlours. Profits have plunged and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not deserted this classic game?
The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realise that they can enjoy bingo using their computer while enjoying a beer and fag and in the end, enjoy big jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened just about perfectly with the anti cigarette law.
Of course playing on the internet will never replace the communal portion of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the law has left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.
September 15th, 2023
Tamara
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