Might the Smoking Ban in England Drive Bingo Players On to the Internet?
Posted in Bingo on 09/11/2009 03:51 pm by Eileen
A lot has been talked in the papers recently regarding the bingo industry struggling because of the cigarette ban in England. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax breaks to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the online adaptation of this traditional game present a reprieve, or will it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?
Bingo is an classic game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game recently had witnessed a recent resurgence in appeal with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo halls rather than the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the anti cigarette law across Britain.
No more will enthusiasts be allowed to smoke whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will not be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favorite locations where players like to smoke.
The results of the anti smoking law can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo parlors. Profits have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not forgotten this age old game?
The answer is on the net. People are now realizing that they can participate in bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cig and still have a chance at monstrous cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the collective part of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left a good many bingo enthusiasts with little choice.