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Smoking Ban Hits Offline Bingo Clubs
Offline Bingo Operators are all expecting dips in profits when the smoking ban comes into play in England on the 1st July this year.
And warning of the impending falls in profit has already arrived from north of the border as one of the biggest independent UK bingo players has already had to shut down 3 of its offline bingo halls in Scotland, reports the Scotsman. Profits have apparently fallen by a massive 62% since the ban came into play.
The operator to be hit is Carlton, and managing director Peter Perrins has indicated that the closure of its halls may not end there, saying the last year's business has been one they've wanted to "hide and forget".
Many bingo player who visit offline bingo halls in the UK are also smokers and one research company puts the figure at around 70% of players. A lot of these people may now choose to stay at home instead of visiting their local bingo hall. Of course they can always play online in the comfort of their living rooms. A lot of players find the experience generally more comfortable and relaxing as well. And there are no shortage of incentives to start playing bingo online in the UK, with every site offering massive bonuses to encourage people through their virtual doors.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of the smoking ban, many UK bingo operators are already taking steps to provide sheltered outside areas where players may be able to sit and smoke and play bingo at the same time, as the numbers are called over a public address system.
May 10th 2007
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