Could the Cigarette Ban in England Force Bingo Players On to the Net?
Much has been stated in the press recently concerning the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the cigarette ban in the UK. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax cuts to assist in keeping the industry alive. But does the online adaptation of this classic game offer a reprieve, or might it not compare to its real life peer?
Bingo has been an established game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game of late had experienced a recent resurgence in appeal with younger people opting to hit the bingo halls instead of the bars on a weekend. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the legislating of the anti cigarette law across England and Wales.
No longer will players be allowed to smoke whilst dabbing numbers. From the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite locations where folks like to smoke.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo halls. Numbers have plunged and the business is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they have not deserted this familiar game?
The answer is online. Players know that they can participate in bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cigarette and still have a chance at massive prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course betting on online is unlikely to replace the social portion of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left a number of bingo players with little option.
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