On the 1st July 2007, the UK smoking ban comes into effect and bingo halls around the country are expecting a noticable knock-on effect. When the ban was originally introduced into Scotland, a large number of traditional Bingo halls closed down through the reduction in trade, although a number were prepared and either reacted with smoking zones or by setting up online bingo sites to revive trade.
The biggest effect was felt by those relying on extra revenue from gaming machines, which were often situated in areas where bingo punters congregated during breaks in play. Once the smoking ban came into effect, punters in most bingo halls were forced into going outside for a fag, meaning the games areas attracted much less attention. In some instances, where bingo halls are lucky enough to have the space, they have geared up for the ban by creating “outdoor” (undercover) areas which incorporated slots and poker machines to try and combat this effect, but many were left with a vast reduction in revenues.
When the ban hits the rest of the UK in July, it is expected that many bingo players will hit the online bingo sites and spend a larger proportion of their time online. Large offline bingo operators like Gala Bingo already have a large online presence with many members playing their Internet bingo games, and many other UK bingo operators are working hard to join the likes of Virgin Bingo in the clamour for online bingo punters. Bingo On Line is here to help you find the best UK online bingo sites so you can enjoy the game from home - smoke-free or otherwise!
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