A lot has been written in the press recently about the bingo industry struggling because of the smoking ban in the UK. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive tax breaks to help keep the industry afloat. But does the online version of this classic game offer a lifeline, or will it never compare to its bricks and mortar equivalent?

Bingo is an age old game historically enjoyed by the “blue rinse” generation. However the game of late had witnessed a recent resurgence in popularity with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo halls instead of the clubs on a Friday night. All this is about to change with the introduction of the smoking ban across England and Wales.

No longer will player be able to smoke their superking cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers and calling house. From the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most popular places where people like to smoke.

The effects of the smoking ban can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already not permitted in the bingo halls. Numbers have plummeted and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where have all the players gone? Surely they haven’t given up on this age old game?

The answer is online. People are now realising that they can play bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a drink and fag and still enjoy massive jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself almost perfectly with the ban on smoking.

Of course playing online can never replace the social aspect of going down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people where the majority of smokers the law has left many bingo players with little option. If the industry is to survive then, tax breaks are the only way forward to support this ailing industryBy: Mark Hirst

About the Author: