Can the Smoking Ban in the UK Force Bingo Enthusiasts On to the Internet?
Wednesday, 14. September 2022
A lot has been written in the press recently regarding the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the anti smoking law 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 afloat. But can the internet adaptation of this quintessential game present a salvation, or will it not compare to its land based equivalent?
Bingo is an classic game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game recently had witnessed a recent resurgence in appeal with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo halls instead of the clubs on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti smoking law across England and Wales.
No more will enthusiasts be allowed to puff on cigarettes while dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public place will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favorite locations where people enjoy smoking.
The results of the cigarette ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already forbidden in the bingo parlours. Profits have plummeted and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Certainly they have not given up on this familiar game?
The answer is on the net. Gamblers realize that they can participate in bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and smoke and in the end, enjoy huge prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course wagering on on the internet is unlikely to replace the social aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the law has left many bingo players with little choice.
Posted in Bingo by Taryn