An abundance has been talked in the press just a while ago regarding the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti smoking law in Britain. Conditions have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive aid to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But can the web variation of this traditional game offer a lifeline, or might it never compare to its land based equivalent?

Bingo is an age old game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game lately had seen a recent resurgence in appeal with younger members of society deciding to go to the bingo parlours in place of the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the enacting of the anti smoking law around UK.

No longer will enthusiasts be allowed to smoke at the same time marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public location will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most common places where folks like to smoke.

The outcome of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already forbidden in the bingo halls. Numbers have plummeted and the business is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have all the players gone? Obviously they haven’t deserted this age old game?

The answer is on the internet. People realize that they can bet on bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still enjoy big prizes. This is a recent anomaly and has happened just about perfectly with the ban on smoking.

Of course playing online will never replace the communal aspect of going over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of players the rules have left a number of bingo players with little option.