Can the Cigarette Ban in the United Kingdom Force Bingo Players On to the Internet?
by Brennen on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
A lot has been reported in the press just a while ago concerning the bingo industry being hit because of the anti smoking law in Britain. Things have become so awful that in Scotland the Bingo industry has demanded huge tax breaks to assist in keeping the businesses from going bankrupt. But does the internet version of this traditional game present a lifeline, or might it in no way compare to its real life kin?
Bingo has been an familiar game historically enjoyed by the "blue haired" generation. In any case the game recently had witnessed a recent increase in acceptance with younger people deciding to visit the bingo parlours rather than the clubs on a weekend. All this is about to be reversed with the enacting of the cigarette ban across United Kingdom.
No more will players be able to puff on cigarettes whilst marking off their numbers. Beginning in the summer of 2007 every public location will no longer be allowed to permit cigarettes in their venues and this includes Bingo parlors, which are possibly the most common locations where people like to smoke.
The outcome of the smoking ban can already be looked at in Scotland where cigarettes are already barred in the bingo halls. Profits have dropped and the industry is absolutely fighting for its life. But where have the players gone? Obviously they haven’t given up on this ancient game?
The answer is on the net. People realise that they can play bingo from their computer while enjoying a drink and cig and still have a chance at huge prizes. This is a recent phenomenon and has happened just about perfectly with the anti smoking law.
Of course gambling on online is unlikely to replace the collective aspect of going over to the bingo hall, but for a demographic of players the governing edicts have left many bingo players with no choice.
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