Much has been stated in the press recently regarding the bingo industry struggling as a result of the cigarette ban in Britain. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded big tax breaks to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the web version of this quintessential game present a reprieve, or might it not compare to its real life equivalent?

Bingo has been an age old game generally played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had witnessed a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society deciding to hit the bingo parlors rather than the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the cigarette ban throughout United Kingdom.

No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes while marking off their numbers. From the summer of ‘07 every public location will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most favorite locations where people enjoy smoking.

The results of the anti cigarette law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo halls. Numbers have plummeted and the business is beyond a doubt struggling for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Certainly they have not given up on this ancient game?

The answer is on the net. Gamblers know that they can bet on bingo using their computer at the same time enjoying a beverage and fag and still have a chance at huge jackpots. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.

Of course wagering on online could never replace the social part of going over to the bingo hall, but for a group of players the governing edicts have left many bingo enthusiasts with no option.