The popular game of Bingo
In all probability the game of Bingo presents the most acceptable face of gambling and betting to the world. It is internationally known, played and loved by millions of people from all walks of life; and is even a popular game used to raise funds in churches, schools and various community projects. Part of its appeal is undoubtedly that its rules are simple and accessible by just about everyone and there is always a ‘winner’ to some degree in a game of Bingo.
Places where Bingo is played.
Although basically a gambling activity the game of Bingo isn’t only accessible in Casinos. Around the world you can see parlors and game houses dedicated to the playing of Bingo. Collectively referred to as Bingo Halls, they are often operated by national and even international Bingo gambling companies; that truly know their market. Many Bingo Halls can be found occupying buildings that were once used as suburban cinemas; other Bingo Halls are also being newly built in ‘out-of-town’ retail park developments whilst, in some countries, they can even be found within town centre shopping malls. Of course to play Bingo you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home, as you can now also play Bingo online over the internet.
Social aspects of playing Bingo.
The game of Bingo has always been associated with the sociable side of gambling. Being likened more to a lottery than direct betting and gambling; those who play Bingo regularly often do so as a group, usually of the same people and on a certain set pattern of days or evenings. Whilst a degree of concentration is required to play the game, in order to not miss any ‘numbers’ that are called out that might be on you card, the level of concentration required is no where near as deep or complicated as that for say Poker or Black-Jack. Subsequently it is possible for Bingo players to combine playing the game with drinking and even eating, all of which may be permitted in a Bingo Hall, rather than you having to retire to a bar area. The opportunities to engage in social interactions, whilst also having fun gambling and playing Bingo, are what make the game of Bingo so attractive - to so many people.
The impact of smoking bans in Bingo Halls.
To use the UK as an example, the summer of 2007 saw a nationwide smoking ban in all public places come into action. Bingo Halls, like bars and clubs the world over, had never previously imposed voluntary smoking bans on their customers as large numbers of those customers were also smokers. In the UK a reported 60% of all Bingo players were/are smokers and, unsurprisingly, the ‘no smoking ban’ has led to a reduction in attendances at Bingo games across the country. The figure often quoted in the first year of the ban is a 25% reduction in the number people attending Bingo games. This drop in attendance at Bingo games has probably been felt most keenly in clubs and bars that held Bingo sessions as part of their commercial activities. Whilst the large ‘purpose built’ Bingo Halls have also seen a reduction in attendance numbers, their attraction as a social gathering place to certain groups of people has out-weighed the effects of the smoking ban. As society at large adjusts to the ‘new reality’ of public place smoking bans, it could well be that the number of people attending Bingo games rises again. There will also undoubtedly be those people who are now willing to attend Bingo games in a smoke-free environment, that otherwise would not have attended the Bingo Hall. It is interesting to note that, again in the UK, during this same period the number of people playing Bingo online rose substantially.