A lot has been stated in the press just a while ago concerning the bingo industry singing the blues as a consequence of the anti cigarette law in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for huge aid to assist in keeping the industry afloat. But can the internet variation of this classic game present a lifeline, or will it never compare to its land based peer?

Bingo has been an ancient game normally played by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game lately had seen a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger men and women deciding to go to the bingo halls rather than the discos on a Friday night. All this is about to be destroyed with the introduction of the smoking ban all over Britain.

No longer will enthusiasts be able to puff on cigarettes while dabbing numbers. Starting in the summer of ‘07 all public areas will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo halls, which are possibly the most popular locations where people enjoy smoking.

The outcome of the cigarette ban can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not allowed in the bingo parlours. Profits have plunged and the business is absolutely struggling for its life. But where did the players go? Certainly they have not abandoned this enduring game?

The answer is on the net. People realise that they can enjoy bingo in front of their computer at the same time enjoying a beer and cig and in the end, have a chance at massive jackpots. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course betting on online is unlikely to replace the social part of heading over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of men and women the rules have left many bingo players with no alternative.