Most regular bingo players in Britain can recognize the sights and smells of an active bingo hall. Usually a light blue haze and faint smell of tobacco are as common in British bingo halls as tea and crumpets are across the Queen's kingdom. Not for long though, as the government has passed legislation that will ban smoking in all clubs, restaurants, pubs, casinos, and bingo halls.

British citizens who share a love for tobacco to compliment their passion for bingo have just about a year and a half to extinguish their bad habit, as the ban is set to take effect in mid-2007. More likely, however, is that attendance figures at bingo halls will flag slightly, as smokers won't be able to fully enjoy their bingo playing experience without their cigarettes. Bingo halls that try to skirt the ban will be fined an imposing £2,500 per instance of smoking on their premises, while the smoker will be hit with a smaller, but still pricey fine of £50.