News today from the Scotsman that the independent Scottish chain Carlton Bingo have suffered a massive drop in profits following the first year under the smoking ban. They posted their annual accounts yesterday showing a drop of 62% in the profits. The chain has already closed three of its halls, and there’s concerns that more may be forced to close unless things pick up. However, there’s hope for the future that with the ban in place, the game’s ‘smoky room’ reputation will disappear and entice new players.
