A lot has been talked in the papers not long ago about the bingo industry being hurt as a result of the anti cigarette law in the United Kingdom. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has called for massive aid to help keep the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the web adaptation of this quintessential game provide a salvation, or might it never compare to its land based relative?

Bingo is an familiar game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. Although the game recently had experienced a recent increase in appeal with younger people opting to hit the bingo halls rather than the bars on a weekend. This is all about to be reversed with the enacting of the anti cigarette law throughout United Kingdom.

No longer will gamblers be allowed to smoke at the same time dabbing numbers. Beginning in the summer of ‘07 every public place will not be allowed to permit cigarettes in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlors, one of the most favored locations where players like to smoke.

The outcome of the smoking ban can already be looked at in Scotland where smoking is already illegal in the bingo parlors. Profits have plummeted and the industry is absolutely fighting for its life. But where did the players go? Obviously they have not deserted this established game?

The answer is online. People know that they can wager on bingo from their computer at the same time enjoying a cocktail and cigarette and still have a chance at big prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the anti cigarette law.

Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the social aspect of heading over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of people the rules have left a lot of bingo enthusiasts with little choice.