One industry expert has claimed that bingo clubs closing has helped to grow the online bngo industry. The head of research at Global Betting and Gaming Consultants, Lorien Pilling, claimed that when the smoking ban was introduced it meant that a lot of people were unable to combine their favourite pastimes.

Those playing online bingo clearly do not have to choose, and it is claimed that the popularity is down to the fact that they can offer something that land based clubs cannot offer.

He added: "People can do it from home and enjoy a cigarette whilst they're playing online."

Pilling also added the online bingo also has benefits such a lot more choice of free bingo and given the current economic situation many bingo players see this as important. While bingo clubs have their benefits in terms of the social environment many bingo operators have taken measures to ensure that their online sites have a community feel about them. Online bingo site can also take advantage of the social networks such as Facebook and Twitter which players can use at the same time as playing bingo online.