The Effects of the Smoking Ban on Bingo

Bingo is undoubtedly one of the most popular pastimes in the world, and a great way to socialize and meet new friends. For many years, people converge in bingo halls, having a great time with the game. Bingo halls are places where anyone, regardless of age, gender, religious beliefs, or political affiliations, is welcome to mingle with fellow bingo players.

However, the negative health effects of smoking has alerted government authorities on the bingo halls' tolerance of smokers amongst its clientele. There's no doubt that second-hand cigarette smoke has harmful effects on non-smokers; many bingo halls still allow people to smoke freely within their premises. This has alarmed many people who worry about the health risks of tobacco smoke.

By the summer of 2007, England's smoking ban will come into effect, and millions of bingo players will be left with no choice but to stop smoking while playing. This is good news for health-conscious bingo players, but bad news for bingo game operators. In Scotland, for instance, bingo operators have seen their customers, and revenues, dwindle since the smoking ban was enforced.

In view of this, and the threat of a smoking ban, some bingo players, especially those who enjoy a good cigar or cigarette while playing, have turned to the Internet for a less restricted alternative. Online bingo sites are already expecting more potential customers, most likely disgruntled bingo players upset about the smoking ban.

If you belong to the group of bingo-loving smokers, a smoking ban may limit your playing time. You will stop playing earlier than usual, as you need to take a puff-or-two. It is interesting to note that a smoking ban might be good for your wallet, too, because of the reduced playing time. Bingo operators, however, may not like the idea of losing profits.

A problem arises when hordes of bingo players become disillusioned, and lose interest in the game, because of the smoking restrictions. Normally, bingo players are presented with only two options in playing: the traditional, land-based bingo halls, or the Internet-based online bingo halls.

With land-based bingo no longer an attractive and valuable choice, because of the impending smoking ban, the only other alternative is online bingo. However, not everyone has a computer and an Internet connection. It's unlikely that people will go out of their way to buy a computer and get an Internet installation just to play bingo. Besides, older people are less computer-savvy than younger ones.

It remains to be seen what effects the smoking ban will have on British bingo players and bingo hall operators. Will traditional bingo halls survive the hard times? Or will online bingo games explode in popularity? It doesn't matter; there are many ways to play bingo, with or without the smoking ban.