Could the Anti Smoking Law in England Force Bingo Enthusiasts On to the Internet?
An abundance has been stated in the press recently regarding the bingo industry being hurt because of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge aid to help keep the businesses afloat. But can the internet variation of this quintessential game present a reprieve, or might it never compare to its bricks and mortar relative?
Bingo is an established game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. However the game of late had seen a recent resurgence in popularity with younger men and women opting to go to the bingo parlours in place of the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to change with the legislating of the cigarette ban throughout England and Wales.
Players will no longer be allowed to smoke at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favored places where players like to smoke.
The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo halls. Numbers have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not given up on this enduring game?
The answer is on the net. Players realise that they can play bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cigarette and in the end, enjoy massive cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the web is unlikely to replace the social part of going down to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of players the rules have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little alternative.
No comments yet.