Online bingo operator Bingo Fabulous is claiming that since the introduction of the smoking ban in Scotland it has seen new membership rise by 40 per cent.

Bingo Fabulous' marketing manager Aviva Lange said: "Although we can attribute this to many factors, including the heavy promotion of our bingo brand in the UK market, we feel that the ban on smoking has been a positive influencing factor."

"We have definitely seen an increase in activity from our players who like to play both online and in bingo halls."

With the smoking ban set to come into effect in England next summer, the company is expecting another surge in numbers. "We expect to see a further increase in new member numbers," Lange added.