Bingo

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Much has been written in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry singing the blues as a result of the smoking ban in the UK. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax breaks to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. But will the web adaptation of this quintessential game offer a reprieve, or will it in no way compare to its land based opposite?

Bingo is an classic game generally enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. However the game lately had witnessed a recent comeback in popularity with younger men and women opting to hit the bingo parlors rather than the discos on a Saturday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the smoking ban all over England and Wales.

No more will players be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public areas will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favorite places where people like to puff on cigarettes.

The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be felt in Scotland where cigarettes are already forbidden in the bingo parlours. Numbers have plunged and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they have not given up on this ancient game?

The answer is on the web. Players realise that they can wager on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and in the end, have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course gambling on on the net is unlikely to replace the communal part of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of men and women the law has left a number of bingo enthusiasts with little option.