Uk Smoking Bans and Internet Bingo

Posted on September 14th, 2008

A recent study by the College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky in the US states that smoking bans have not affected revenues generated by bingo halls in the US and the UK. Many gaming experts point to the flaws in methodology and cite overwhelming evidence of economic havoc the bingo industry has suffered in the UK due to recent national smoking bans.

A survey published by St. Minver in 2007 stated that land based bingo halls could expect a significant reduction in attendance at bingo halls with a resulting drop in revenue. As expected the projections were realized and sent many publicly traded companies in the bingo industry into an economic tailspin with drastically reduced stock prices and massive layoffs of employees.

Surveys have shown that approximately 62% of bingo players are smokers, 33% said they will cut back playing at bingo halls, and 10% said they would cease playing bingo altogether. All this is good news for the already thriving internet bingo game industry. Many internet bingo sites expect a 30 to 60% increase in players. Many smokers have indicated they would be more likely to switch to internet bingo due to restrictive smoking bans.

Unlike the US, the UK allows those in the gaming industry to advertise both in print and on television. One internet website, Foxy Bingo, has placed a series of clever advertisements on television and others are sure to follow suit. Many of these television ads point out the various free bingo bonuses available to players.

Internet bingo has many advantages over land based bingo halls. Since internet bingo game sites do not have the expenses of maintaining a bingo hall and paying employees they are able to offer larger jackpots, larger bingo bonuses and more prizes. Internet bingo players do not have transportation expenses, no small thing with rising petrol prices. Internet players may fund accounts with credit or debit cards making deposits easy and convenient.

Most internet bingo websites maintain chat rooms where players can socialize much like their former bingo halls. Many chat rooms offer special chat games with their own bingo bonus code. Since the internet is international in scope internet bingo players are likely to find themselves chatting with bingo players from around the globe.

Last, but not least, smokers playing in the comfort of their own home can puff away without fear of censure. No matter how draconian the bans get internet bingo players in the UK will still be able to indulge in the occasional cigarette while playing bingo on the internet.