Much has been stated in the papers just a while ago concerning the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in the UK. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge tax cuts to help keep the businesses alive. But does the net version of this classic game offer a reprieve, or will it never compare to its land based peer?

Bingo is an ancient game usually enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game recently had seen a recent resurgence in appeal with younger men and women opting to hit the bingo parlors rather than the clubs on a Saturday night. This is all about to change with the legislating of the anti smoking law all over Britain.

Players will no longer be allowed to puff on cigarettes whilst marking numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public locations will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most popular areas where players enjoy smoking.

The effects of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already not allowed in the bingo halls. Profits have plunged and the business is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Of course they haven’t given up on this age old game?

The answer is on the net. People realise that they can enjoy bingo using their computer while enjoying a beer and fag and still enjoy massive cash rewards. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course betting on on the net is unlikely to replace the social aspect of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the law has left a number of bingo players with little alternative.