[ English ]

An abundance has been reported in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry singing the blues because of the cigarette ban in Britain. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses alive. But does the internet adaptation of this traditional game provide a reprieve, or might it in no way compare to its land based opposite?

Bingo is an familiar game normally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game lately had seen a recent increase in appeal with younger men and women opting to hit the bingo parlours in place of the bars on a Saturday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the legislating of the cigarette ban throughout United Kingdom.

No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time dabbing numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most common locations where folks like to puff on cigarettes.

The results of the smoking ban can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Profits have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Obviously they have not given up on this ancient game?

The answer is on the web. Gamblers are now realizing that they can bet on bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a drink and fag and still enjoy huge prizes. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.

Of course gambling on online can never replace the collective aspect of going over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo players with little option.