Much has been reported in the papers just a while ago about the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the anti smoking law in Britain. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. But can the online adaptation of this traditional game present a lifeline, or will it not compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is 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 rather than the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to change with the enacting of the smoking ban around England and Wales.
Players will no longer be permitted to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public areas will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most common places where folks like to smoke.
The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlours. Profits have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Certainly they haven’t given up on this age old game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers realise that they can bet on bingo from their computer while enjoying a beverage and cigarette and still have a chance at monstrous prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing online can never replace the collective aspect of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of players the rules have left many bingo players with little alternative.
0 Responses
Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.
You must be logged in to post a comment.