Much has been stated in the press recently about the bingo industry being hit because of the cigarette ban in the UK. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for big aid to help keep the industry afloat. But will the internet version of this quintessential game provide a reprieve, or will it not compare to its land based peer?

Bingo has been an familiar game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. However the game of late had undergone a recent return in acceptance with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo halls rather than the clubs on a Friday night. This is all about to change with the enforcement of the cigarette ban across Britain.

No longer will players be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public locations will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most popular places where many people enjoy smoking.

The effects of the cigarette ban can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo halls. Profits have dropped and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t cast aside this familiar game?

The answer is online. People are now realizing that they can play bingo from their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and smoke and still have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.

Of course playing on the web is unlikely to replace the communal aspect of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a group of people the governing edicts have left a good many bingo players with little choice.