An abundance has been stated in the papers just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hurt because of the smoking ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for huge tax breaks to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the online variation of this quintessential game present a reprieve, or might it not compare to its bricks and mortar peer?

Bingo is an enduring game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game lately had undergone a recent return in acceptance with younger people deciding to go to the bingo halls instead of the bars on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the introduction of the cigarette ban around Britain.

No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes while marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public places will no longer be permitted to allow cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most popular places where many people enjoy smoking.

The results of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already forbidden in the bingo parlors. Profits have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Certainly they haven’t abandoned this classic game?

The answer is online. Players realise that they can participate in bingo in front of their computer whilst enjoying a drink and fag and still have a chance at monstrous jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.

Of course gambling on on the internet is unlikely to replace the social aspect of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the law has left many bingo enthusiasts with no option.