Categories: Business

Casino Industry Takes A Hit Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus outbreak continues to wreak havoc across the world and a number of businesses are already feeling the pinch. The gambling industry, in particular, has taken quite the hit especially considering how popular the retail gambling space is.  However, this is a necessary step towards containing or at least restricting the spread of COVID-19 which has already been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called for the limitation of gatherings of more than 50 people. This will remain so for at least the next eight weeks as efforts to control the spread of the virus intensify.

Across the country, dozens of online gambling destinations have been closed for varying periods of time. The same goes for both bars and restaurants – the services of most of these facilities have now been restricted to takeout and deliveries. Some of the states where casino operations have been suspended including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Nevada, California, and Washington.

Needless to say, this step is expected to make some difference in the way the virus spreads and even though most casinos have stated that the closures are only temporary, business will only resume after significant steps have been taken towards solving this problem.

Australia

In Australia, the gambling industry has opted for a rather unusual approach. Instead of completely closing down, two of the biggest casino brands in the county have opted to adopt social distancing measures instead. Crown Resorts and the Start Entertainment Group have both decided to restrict entry into their facilities going forward.

The revenues of these gaming destinations have definitely dwindled and they are facing a lot of pressure to deliver while at the same time ensuring they remain socially responsible. As it stands, there is not really much that can protect them from more revenue hits as the number of patrons continues to decrease significantly.

What Now?

These cases are not restricted to Australia and the United States alone. Other gambling havens such as Macau already went through the slow down as a result of the outbreak and there is a possibility that this will extend across many other parts of the globe. That said, it seems like the best remaining options for gamblers are online and mobile gambling. Gaming operators with online operations will certainly benefit during this difficult time as they are the only way that players can continue playing their favorite online casino games.

Hopefully, everything will be sorted out soon and casino operations can take off once again. Meanwhile, stay safe!

Elaine West

Elaine is here to highlight the importance of laws that governor poker and related industries. She will meticulously study the slightest changes in the landscape from the world over and duly report on this. Her attitude is one of utmost determination, allowing her to get to the facts and present readers with informative and definitive pieces that have immense value. We are proud to have Elaine as part of the team for it's her who really helps us spot trends and focus our coverage accordingly.

Recent Posts

What to Expect From iGaming in 2023

As we get deeper into the year 2023, it's impossible not to feel enthusiastic about…

1 year ago

Super Group Acquires Digital Gaming Corporation

The company behind the Betway and Spin sportsbook brands, Super Group, announced in late 2022…

1 year ago

Gambling.com Group Debuts BetOhio.com in Readiness for Online Sports Betting Launch

On the heels of the announcement that online sports betting would be legalized in Ohio…

1 year ago

Nevada Gaming Commission Approves New Cybersecurity Regulation

A new regulation aimed at bolstering the security of Nevada's casinos was given the green…

1 year ago

Gaming Innovation Group & LuckyBet Ink New Partnership Deal

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) has announced a partnership with a new casino named LuckyBet to…

1 year ago

Hard Rock Acquires Vegas Strip’s The Mirage Hotel & Casino

On Friday, the Nevada Gaming Commission gave Hard Rock International the green light to purchase…

1 year ago