A lot has been talked in the papers recently about the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti cigarette law in England. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive aid to assist in keeping the businesses alive. However can the internet version of this traditional game provide a lifeline, or will it never compare to its real life equivalent?

Bingo has been an familiar game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. However the game recently had witnessed a recent increase in popularity with younger people opting to hit the bingo halls rather than the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the anti smoking law across Britain.

No more will gamblers be permitted to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public locations will no longer be permitted to allow smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most favored areas where many people like to smoke.

The effects of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already forbidden in the bingo halls. Profits have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they haven’t deserted this established game?

The answer is online. Players realize that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a drink and fag and in the end, have a chance at monstrous prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course betting on on the net can never replace the collective part of heading down to the bingo hall, but for a group of men and women the rules have left many bingo players with little option.