The knock-on effect of the recently instated public smoking ban in England on land based bingo is starting to take its toll. Following the closure of two bingo halls in Derbyshire, where around thiry jobs were lost as a result, has caused a feeling of doom to descend on the land based bingo halls across the country.

While an increase in taxes has also been blamed for the closures, it is believed that the no smoking law has also contributed to a loss of revenue as many bingo players have traditionally enjoyed smoking while playing and are turning to the free online bingo industry rather than stand outside smoking in the middle of a game.

The online bingo industry is therefore experiencing a boom following the smoking legislation as players can light up and play online in their own homes. While the social aspect may be different - think chatrooms rather than face to face communication - it seems that the online bingo industry is set to phenomenal success.

However many feel it will be a sad day when the last bingo hall closes and it seems as if that day may be not that far away.