Can the Smoking Ban in England Force Bingo Enthusiasts On to the Web?
Much has been stated in the press recently concerning the bingo industry being hit because of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax breaks to help keep the businesses afloat. But does the web version of this quintessential game offer a escape, or will it not compare to its real life relative?
Bingo has been an ancient game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game of late had experienced a recent resurgence in popularity with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlours instead of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the anti smoking law throughout United Kingdom.
No longer will players be allowed to smoke while dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most common places where many people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the smoking ban can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo parlours. Numbers have dropped and the business is literally struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Certainly they have not abandoned this classic game?
The answer is online. People are now realizing that they can gamble on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a drink and fag and in the end, have a chance at monstrous jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing online can never replace the communal part of going over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left a good many bingo players with no option.
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