By
Mike J. Davies
Editor in Chief at Casinos.US Updated: 03/16/2020
Mike is our Senior Editor and experienced gambling strategist. A former hockey player, he transitioned to the casino industry after finishing his B.A. in English. Blackjack systems, online casino guides, gambling terms, and more – Mike is familiar with all fine points of gambling.
Slot machines, Photo by www.shutterstock.com
The new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has wreaked havoc on different businesses, plunging them into a tumultuous period of shutdown and loss. The multi-billion-dollar gambling industry in the United States is not out of the shackles of the virus too. Many land-based casinos in Nevada closed down due to the need for “social distancing” to curb the spread of the virus.
New Jersey also sees this as many casinos in Atlantic City are closed indefinitely as per the order of Governor Phil Murphy. Freehold Raceway and the Meadowlands Racetrack are under an indefinite shutdown, and Monmouth Park, which was set to open on May 2, has delayed its thoroughbred racing by several weeks.
But that doesn’t mean casino goers aren’t able to enjoy their games after being hunkered in their homes. The global health emergency hasn’t stopped them from enjoying their time at home by resorting to online gambling. Internet consumption is peaking as people switch to Disney+, Netflix, and other online streaming services. Not to forget, there’s legal sports betting in New Jersey—something that many states in the country do not have.
But that doesn’t mean it’s a good time for sports bettors. The NHL, NBA, and MLB, along with many tennis, golf, and auto racing events, are suspended amidst the health emergency. Many gamblers may show a lack of eagerness to visit a local operator or indulge in lottery games. When it comes to sportsbook, they are likely to face a huge toll after the NCAA men’s basketball tournament has been canceled.
Many industries are bracing for high economic losses owing to the virus outbreak. Casino operators are approaching Congress seeking financial aid. But online casinos in New Jersey are likely to fill the void to some extent.
In a press conference, Governor Phil Murphy said:
The good news is online gaming will continue, the bad news is there’s not much to wager on.
Some gamblers who suddenly can’t go to a land-based casino in New Jersey to play cards, roulette, or slot machines are switching to online casinos. Since 2013, New Jersey, along with Delaware, has been offering a good collection of legal online casino games to residents. There are thirty-two online casinos in New Jersey that have attained legal status. Also, there are ten websites offered by Borgata (owned by MGM). These are PartyPoker, Borgata Casino, and Pala Casino.
In terms of revenue in the first two months of 2020, casinos in Atlantic City made whopping sums from online casino gambling. It raked in 107.1 million dollars from online casinos and 70.6 million dollars from sports betting. A few of these sports bettors are currently migrating to online casino games.
Some gambling sites like Borgata, Golden Nugget, and BetMGM Casino feature virtual “live dealer” games. These are likely to attract newcomers who are used to playing at various land-based casinos in Atlantic City. Those gamblers missing out on the live casino action are free to try these “live dealer” games. The minimum bet is reduced to $1 on most games. That’s a ray of hope for gamblers during this crisis that is most likely to keep them indoors for an indefinite time period.
Regional racetracks, including the famous Yonkers Raceway, have been sidelined indefinitely. However, there are some races still going on in the United States Sports bettors.
Jane ShawMay 18, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 15, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 13, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 11, 2024Read More