Much has been reported in the papers not long ago regarding the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the anti cigarette law in the United Kingdom. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested big tax breaks to help keep the businesses alive. However does the web version of this classic game offer a escape, or might it not compare to its real life equivalent?

Bingo has been an classic game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had witnessed a recent return in popularity with younger members of society deciding to visit the bingo parlours in place of the clubs on a Saturday night. All this is about to change with the introduction of the cigarette ban throughout UK.

No longer will gamblers be able to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 all public places will not be permitted to allow smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most common areas where players like to smoke.

The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be observed in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlours. Players have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Obviously they haven’t cast aside this established game?

The answer is on the internet. Gamblers realise that they can play bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a cocktail and fag and in the end, have a chance at huge cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.

Of course betting on on the web will never replace the communal aspect of heading down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of men and women the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with little option.