Bingo Tricks

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Much has been reported in the press recently concerning the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti smoking law in Britain. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry alive. However can the online adaptation of this classic game present a salvation, or might it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar relative?

Bingo has been an age old game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game of late had witnessed a recent return in appeal with younger men and women deciding to go to the bingo halls in place of the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the introduction of the cigarette ban all over England and Wales.

Players will no longer be permitted to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public locations will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most common areas where folks enjoy smoking.

The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already prohibited in the bingo parlours. Profits have dropped and the business is literally struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they haven’t abandoned this familiar game?

The answer is on the web. Players are now realizing that they can bet on bingo from their computer while enjoying a drink and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at massive prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course gambling on on the net is unlikely to replace the social aspect of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left many bingo players with little option.