02.15
Can the Anti Cigarette Law in England Take Bingo Players Online?
Much has been stated in the press recently regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax breaks to help keep the industry alive. However can the online version of this traditional game provide a reprieve, or will it never compare to its real life kin?
Bingo is an ancient game usually played by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game recently had witnessed a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo parlors rather than the bars on a Friday night. All this is about to change with the legislating of the anti cigarette law around UK.
Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public area will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most common locations where people like to puff on cigarettes.
The effects of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already banned in the bingo parlors. Players have plummeted and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they have not given up on this age old game?
The answer is on the net. Players know that they can wager on bingo using their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on on the internet will never replace the social part of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of people the law has left many bingo enthusiasts with little option.