Will the Anti Cigarette Law in England Drive Bingo Enthusiasts Online?

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Much has been reported in the press recently concerning the bingo industry being hurt because of the cigarette ban in England. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax breaks to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the net variation of this classic game provide a salvation, or will it never compare to its land based peer?

Bingo is an age old game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game of late had undergone a recent comeback in popularity with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlors rather than the bars on a Friday night. All this is about to be destroyed with the introduction of the smoking ban throughout UK.

No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public location will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most favored locations where people like to puff on cigarettes.

The effects of the cigarette ban can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already forbidden in the bingo halls. Profits have plummeted and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they haven’t cast aside this familiar game?

The answer is online. Gamblers realize that they can play bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and fag and in the end, have a chance at monstrous prizes. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.

Of course wagering on on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal portion of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the rules have left a number of bingo enthusiasts with no alternative.