An abundance has been stated in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the anti smoking law in the UK. Conditions have become so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax breaks to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But can the web version of this classic game offer a lifeline, or will it never compare to its bricks and mortar kin?

Bingo has been an familiar game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. For all that the game recently had undergone a recent increase in acceptance with younger people opting to hit the bingo parlours in place of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enacting of the cigarette ban all over England and Wales.

No longer will gamblers be able to smoke whilst dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public places will not be permitted to allow cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, which are possibly the most favorite locations where folks like to smoke.

The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo halls. Profits have dropped and the business is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where have the players gone? Obviously they haven’t abandoned this ancient game?

The answer is on the web. Gamblers realise that they can participate in bingo in front of their computer while enjoying a beverage and fag and in the end, have a chance at big jackpots. This is a recent development and has happened bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course wagering on on the internet could never replace the social portion of going over to the bingo parlor, but for a group of men and women the law has left many bingo players with little option.