An abundance has been reported in the press not long ago regarding the bingo industry singing the blues because of the cigarette ban in Britain. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. However does the web version of this classic game present a reprieve, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar relative?

Bingo is an enduring game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game recently had seen a recent increase in appeal with younger people deciding to hit the bingo parlours rather than the bars on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law around United Kingdom.

No longer will players be able to puff on cigarettes at the same time marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 all public areas will not be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most common locations where players enjoy smoking.

The results of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlours. Profits have plummeted and the business is absolutely fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Of course they haven’t abandoned this familiar game?

The answer is online. Gamblers are now realizing that they can wager on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and fag and still enjoy monstrous cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself almost perfectly with the anti cigarette law.

Of course betting on on the web can never replace the communal portion of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the rules have left a good many bingo players with little choice.