Much has been talked in the press just a while ago concerning the bingo industry struggling as a consequence of the smoking ban in England. Things have grown so poor that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded massive tax breaks to assist in keeping the industry alive. But can the net adaptation of this traditional game provide a salvation, or might it not compare to its real life peer?

Bingo has been an established game historically played by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had experienced a recent resurgence in popularity with younger members of society opting to go to the bingo parlours rather than the clubs on a Saturday night. All this is about to be reversed with the legislating of the anti smoking law around England and Wales.

No more will players be allowed to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. From the summer of ‘07 all public places will no longer be allowed to permit smoking in their locations and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favored areas where many people enjoy smoking.

The effects of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where smoking is already barred in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plunged and the industry is absolutely struggling for its life. But where did all the players go? Surely they have not forgotten this established game?

The answer is on the net. Gamblers realize that they can participate in bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and smoke and in the end, enjoy huge cash rewards. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti smoking law.

Of course playing online could never replace the collective part of going over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of players the governing edicts have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with no choice.