Much has been talked in the papers recently about the bingo industry singing the blues because of the anti smoking law in the UK. Things have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested huge aid to help keep the industry afloat. But will the web variation of this classic game present a escape, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar kin?

Bingo is an enduring game usually enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game of late had seen a recent increase in acceptance with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo halls in place of the bars on a Friday night. All this is about to be reversed with the introduction of the smoking ban across United Kingdom.

No longer will gamblers be allowed to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public areas will not be allowed to permit smoking in their venues and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular places where players like to smoke.

The effects of the anti smoking law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already prohibited in the bingo parlors. Profits have dropped and the business is absolutely struggling for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Of course they have not cast aside this ancient game?

The answer is on the web. Gamblers know that they can participate in bingo from their computer while enjoying a beer and smoke and in the end, have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course playing on the net can never replace the collective part of heading over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left a good many bingo players with no option.