Will the Smoking Ban in Britain Drive Bingo Players On to the Internet?

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Much has been reported in the press not long ago about the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the cigarette ban in Britain. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for big tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But can the internet version of this traditional game provide a lifeline, or will it in no way compare to its real life peer?

Bingo is an established game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. For all that the game lately had witnessed a recent comeback in appeal with younger people opting to hit the bingo parlours rather than the discos on a weekend. All this is about to be destroyed with the introduction of the anti cigarette law around England and Wales.

No longer will players be allowed to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public location will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favored locations where many people like to puff on cigarettes.

The effects of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already prohibited in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plummeted and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Of course they have not given up on this established game?

The answer is online. People know that they can play bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and cig and still enjoy big jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course betting on on the net will never replace the social aspect of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a group of players the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with no option.