Might the Anti Cigarette Law in Britain Drive Bingo Enthusiasts On to the Internet?
Wednesday, 3. February 2021
A lot has been written in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the smoking ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive aid to assist in keeping the businesses afloat. However can the internet adaptation of this classic game offer a lifeline, or will it not compare to its land based relative?
Bingo is an familiar game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game lately had experienced a recent return in appeal with younger people deciding to go to the bingo halls rather than the bars on a weekend. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the smoking ban around UK.
Players will no longer be able to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public locations will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most popular locations where many people enjoy smoking.
The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlors. Profits have plummeted and the industry is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Surely they haven’t forgotten this established game?
The answer is on the internet. People realize that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and cigarette and still have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.
Of course playing on the web will never replace the social part of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the law has left a good many bingo players with little choice.
Posted in Bingo by Taryn