Bingo Online - A smoker s paradise
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Gambling Casinos.
Bingo Online: A Smoker's Paradise
Introduction
With the UK's impending smoking ban in enclosed public spaces starting in 2007, and extending to licensed areas by 2008, there's a growing interest in how this will impact the bingo community. The White Paper on Public Health outlines that most enclosed public spaces, such as offices and factories, will become smoke-free. Only private clubs where Members of Parliament voted to allow smoking, and pubs that don't serve prepared food, will be exempt. In just a few years, approximately 90% of bars and restaurants are expected to be smoke-free.
Impact on Bingo Halls
The smoking ban raises questions about the future of bingo halls in the UK, where a significant number of players are smokers. According to the Bingo Association, about two million out of three million regular bingo players smoke, with a large majority being women. These players will need to adjust to enjoying their favorite game without cigarettes.
Despite exempting private members' clubs, MPs did not exclude UK bingo halls from the ban. In Scotland, the Smoking, Health and Social Care Bill, effective from March 2006, has already caused significant changes in the bingo and casino industries, resulting in five major club closures. With 70% of bingo players in Scotland reported as smokers, casino executives have noted a trend of players arriving later and leaving earlier for smoke breaks, decreasing both session times and spending.
Although pub owners report minimal impact from the ban, companies like Mecca Bingo and Carlton have felt the strain. Early data suggests a decline in attendance, though bingo hall patronage in the UK has been dropping since 2000, with only 2.8% of adults participating in 2004.
Shift to Online Bingo
It's estimated that the smoking ban could lead to the closure of up to one-third of the UK's bingo halls, which would be a significant loss for the industry, including a hit to the £2 billion annual revenue of major players like Gala and Mecca. Suppliers might also experience reduced demand.
However, there's potential silver lining with online bingo. Companies such as Gala and Mecca have been providing online bingo options for some time. Recently, Gala took an independent route with their software, indicating a strategic pivot towards online revenues in anticipation of diminished hall attendance. As the ban takes effect, more players might transition to online bingo.
Online bingo not only offers financial benefits but also maintains a social element through interactive chat rooms that allow players to meet new people and engage in games. Home, being a smoke-friendly environment, could be an attractive option for many smokers.
Financial Incentives
According to NHS smoking advice, a person smoking 20 cigarettes a day would spend approximately £30,000 over 20 years. The smoking ban could result in 700,000 people quitting smoking altogether. A leading NHS doctor suggests that people often seek new ways to reward themselves once they stop smoking?"potentially freeing up disposable income for entertainment, such as online bingo. A daily saving of £5 from not smoking could be redirected towards online bingo games, offering an alternative reward system.
Conclusion
The transition from land-based to online bingo seems inevitable, especially with the smoking ban in place. Many online bingo sites are ready to welcome new players looking for a smoke-friendly, engaging, and interactive experience. As traditional bingo halls increasingly go smoke-free, the shift to online platforms may soon become the norm for many enthusiasts.
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