Much has been written in the papers just a while ago about the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Things have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive aid to help keep the businesses afloat. However does the internet variation of this classic game provide a reprieve, or might it not compare to its land based peer?

Bingo has been an familiar game historically played by the "blue haired" generation. However the game lately had experienced a recent comeback in appeal with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo halls in place of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the anti smoking law across Britain.

Players will no longer be able to smoke while marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favored areas where players like to puff on cigarettes.

The outcome of the smoking ban can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plunged and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Obviously they have not abandoned this enduring game?

The answer is online. Gamblers realize that they can play bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a drink and cigarette and still enjoy big prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.

Of course playing online will never replace the collective aspect of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a group of people the rules have left many bingo players with no option.