Scotish Smoking Ban Boosts Online Bingo
With the recently implemented smoking ban in public places being passed in Scotland, the bingo halls of Scotland have taken a material knock in attendance. Online Bingo sites have seen a dramatic rise in membership and revenue as a result.
Bingo Fabulous, a fairly young bingo room operating in the UK's largest online bingo network, has seen a noticeable improvement over the last few months. "We have seen a growth of over 40% in new membership over the last few months. Although we can attribute this to many factors, including the heavy promotion of our bingo brand in the UK market, we feel that the ban on smoking has been a positive influencing factor," says Aviva Lange, the Marketing Manager at Bingo Fabulous, "We have definitely seen an increase in activity from our players who like to play both online and in bingo halls."
Since the ban came into effect three months ago, five bingo halls have been forced to close their doors in Scotland after operators saw takings drop by over a quarter as players were forced to obey the new no-smoking rules. One of the UK's biggest bingo chains in the current market, Mecca Bingo operated by Rank Group, said revenues had fallen 14% in Scotland following the introduction of the smoking ban.
In the early weeks of the ban in April, bingo hall operators said it was likely players were taking smoking breaks between games rather than spending on other attractions, such as slot machines. However over the last few months, online bingo operators in the UK market, where players can play AND smoke in the comfort of their own homes have seen a marked rise in membership.
With the ban on smoking in public places due to be passed in England and Wales in the summer of 2007, UK based online bingo operators are gearing up for the increase in revenue. Aviva Lange says "We expect to see a further increase in new member numbers. Existing players are spending more time online."
Aviva continues, "Online bingo rooms are designed to appeal to an audience who enjoy a community experience but prefer the intimate (and smoke friendly) environment of their homes."
