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Much has been reported in the press recently concerning the bingo industry struggling because of the smoking ban in the United Kingdom. Conditions have grown so bad that in Scotland the Bingo industry has asked for massive aid to assist in keeping the businesses alive. But can the internet variation of this quintessential game provide a escape, or will it not compare to its bricks and mortar opposite?

Bingo is an enduring game historically enjoyed by the "blue rinse" generation. Although the game lately had experienced a recent resurgence in acceptance with younger members of society opting to hit the bingo halls in place of the bars on a Friday night. This is all about to get flipped on its head with the enforcement of the cigarette ban around Britain.

No more will players be allowed to smoke whilst marking numbers. Beginning in the summer of '07 every public place will not be permitted to allow smoking in their buildings and this includes Bingo parlours, one of the most favored locations where many people like to smoke.

The outcome of the anti smoking law can already be seen in Scotland where cigarettes are already not permitted in the bingo parlors. Numbers have plummeted and the industry is literally fighting for its life. But where did all the players go? Certainly they have not cast aside this ancient game?

The answer is on the net. Gamblers are now realizing that they can participate in bingo using their computer whilst enjoying a beverage and cigarette and still enjoy big cash rewards. This is a recent development and has timed itself bordering on perfect with the ban on cigarettes.

Of course gambling on online could never replace the social aspect of going over to the bingo parlour, but for a demographic of players the rules have left a number of bingo players with little alternative.