Can the Cigarette Ban in Britain Force Bingo Enthusiasts On to the Web?
Much has been written in the papers recently concerning the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti smoking law in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax breaks to help keep the businesses afloat. But can the web variation of this traditional game present a escape, or will it in no way compare to its real life peer?
Bingo is an familiar game normally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had seen a recent return in acceptance with younger men and women opting to hit the bingo parlors rather than the bars on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the enforcement of the smoking ban around United Kingdom.
No longer will enthusiasts be allowed to smoke at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public place will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular places where many people like to puff on cigarettes.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Numbers have dropped and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Of course they have not cast aside this ancient game?
The answer is online. Players realize that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cig and in the end, have a chance at monstrous prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of going down to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the rules have left a good many bingo players with little choice.
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