A lot has been reported in the press just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hit as a result of the anti cigarette law in Britain. Conditions have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry from going bankrupt. But does the web version of this traditional game present a salvation, or will it in no way compare to its real life kin?

Bingo is an familiar game usually played by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game recently had seen a recent comeback in popularity with younger men and women deciding to go to the bingo parlors instead of the bars on a weekend. All this is about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the anti cigarette law all over England and Wales.

No longer will players be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. From the summer of 2007 all public places will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favorite areas where folks like to smoke.

The effects of the anti smoking law can already be felt in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plummeted and the business is literally fighting for to stay alive. But where did all the players go? Certainly they haven’t cast aside this ancient game?

The answer is on the internet. Gamblers are now realizing that they can bet on bingo using their computer while enjoying a cocktail and cig and still have a chance at big cash rewards. This is a recent anomaly and has timed itself almost perfectly with the ban on smoking.

Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the communal portion of going down to the bingo parlor, but for a group of players the rules have left many bingo enthusiasts with little option.