Bingo is one of the UK's most popular indoor pursuits with an estimated 3 million people, recording 89 million admissions each year, playing at 700 licensed establishments throughout the country. But, despite its overwhelming popularity bingo is in crisis with two major burning issues affecting the future of licensed bingo halls, namely; the rise of online bingo and the implementation of the UK national smoking ban.



According to anecdotal eveidence both issues are already adversely affecting attendances at bingo halls throughout the UK, even to the extent of threatening their financial future. Although the two issues may appear to be totally unrelated they are actually interdependent. Recent surveys have revealed that 60% of regular attendees at bingo halls are smokers, so the recent anti-smoking legislation will surely have a massive impact on their decision to continue going to bingo halls. Also, the rise in online bingo will surely be fuelled by smokers who opt to get their bingo fix online. As they can no longer light up as they play at bingo halls, they are choosing to play in the comfort of their own home online; where they can smoke to their heart's content and play bingo at their convenience.

As if that wasn't bad enough for the traditional bingo halls, the online version is even starting to attract non-smoking bingo players. There are many different online bingo websites, most offering stunning gameplay that certainly recreates the suspense and excitement of playing in a bingo hall. Plus, in a bid to attract even more online players prizes are on the increase. Earlier this week Pauline Clarke became the UK's first online bingo millionaire, after staking just 60p to play against 15,000 other players. The 62 year-old pensioner from Bristol who had only been playing online bingo for two months, shouted 'house' at the same time as another player forcing the two into a head-to-head play-off. Mrs Clarke was the first to complete a line and therefore scooped the 1 million pound prize. Obviously Mrs. Clarke was overjoyed at her win, "I'm absolutely shocked - my heart is still racing", she said.

"I've played bingo for years and I always thought I would get a big win. My only regret is that my husband isn't around to see it." she added. Indeed, Mrs Clarke is a prime example of the new phenomenon of bingo shifting from halls to online gaming at home. Prior to her husband Harold's death 13 years ago Mrs Clarke used to accompany him to a local bingo hall, but due to the boom in internet bingo she can now opt to play at home.

Whether the double whammy of the rise of online bingo and the implementation of anti-smoking legislation will seriously affect bingo hall revenues to the extent where they will be forced to close remains to be seen. What is certain is that bingo will continue to be popular, with 3 million regular players it may be that they just change the location that they play, from bingo hall to home. After all...it's all about bingo!