A lot has been talked in the papers not long ago concerning the bingo industry struggling as a result of the anti smoking law in Britain. Conditions have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive aid to help keep the industry alive. However will the online adaptation of this traditional game provide a salvation, or might it in no way compare to its land based relative?

Bingo is an ancient game generally enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game lately had undergone a recent increase in popularity with younger members of society opting to visit the bingo halls rather than the discos on a Saturday night. All this is about to get flipped on its head with the introduction of the smoking ban around England and Wales.

No longer will players be permitted to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 every public area will not be allowed to permit smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favored locations where folks enjoy smoking.

The effects of the smoking ban can already be observed in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo halls. Numbers have dropped and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Of course they haven’t forgotten this ancient game?

The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can play bingo using their computer while enjoying a beverage and cigarette and in the end, have a chance at massive cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on smoking.

Of course playing on the web is unlikely to replace the social portion of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a demographic of people the law has left a lot of bingo players with little option.