A lot has been stated in the press recently about the bingo industry being hurt as a consequence of the smoking ban in England. Things have become so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has requested massive tax cuts to assist in keeping the businesses alive. However can the web version of this traditional game offer a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its real life equivalent?

Bingo is an ancient game usually enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had experienced a recent comeback in acceptance with younger men and women deciding to visit the bingo parlours instead of the discos on a Friday night. This is all about to be destroyed with the enforcement of the smoking ban all over Britain.

No longer will gamblers be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking numbers. Starting in the summer of 2007 all public locations will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their locations and this includes Bingo halls, one of the most common locations where players enjoy smoking.

The results of the anti cigarette law can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plunged and the industry is beyond a doubt fighting for to stay alive. But where did the players go? Of course they haven’t deserted this age old game?

The answer is online. Players know that they can participate in bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still enjoy massive jackpots. This is a recent anomaly and has happened just about perfectly with the ban on smoking.

Of course playing on the internet is unlikely to replace the collective part of going down to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the governing edicts have left many bingo enthusiasts with little option.