An abundance has been stated in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry being hit because of the anti smoking law in England. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax cuts to help keep the businesses alive. But will the internet version of this quintessential game provide a reprieve, or will it in no way compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?

Bingo is an age old game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. In any case the game lately had witnessed a recent resurgence in popularity with younger men and women deciding to go to the bingo halls rather than the discos on a weekend. All this is about to change with the enacting of the anti cigarette law across UK.

No more will enthusiasts be able to smoke whilst marking off their numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public locations will not be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most common places where many people enjoy smoking.

The results of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo halls. Numbers have plunged and the industry is literally struggling for its life. But where have all the players gone? Surely they have not cast aside this classic game?

The answer is on the web. Players know that they can gamble on bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cig and still enjoy massive jackpots. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.

Of course gambling on on the net can never replace the communal portion of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of people the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo players with little choice.