How Coronavirus is affecting the Gaming Industry
Society is adjusting to adjust to life with the novel Coronavirus. Individual and corporate habits and behaviors are changing quickly and different industries are being impacted and responding differently. Coronavirus infections have been reported in over 120 countries. The media is awash with announcements of sports events canceled due to corona. The World Health Organization labeled the virus a global pandemic, and its impact on the worldwide economy is being felt everywhere.
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With travel bans enacted and governmental warnings disallowing public gatherings into the foreseeable future, online gambling sites have never been more attractive. We explore the effect of COVID-19 on the gaming industry and what it means for casino operators and players.
The highly-contagious Coronavirus was first reported in China’s Wuhan province on December 31, 2019, and is spreading rapidly. The disease has so far affected 472,539 people and killed over 21,304 people. The virus is transmitted by touching infected surfaces then the mouth, eyes, and nose with contaminated hands. This makes gamblers potentially susceptible to coming into contact with the virus.
Following the recommendations given by the World Health Organization on stemming the spread of the Coronavirus, casino operators are taking proactive measures to protect their customers. They have intensified cleaning, desensitization, and social distancing. However, there is the fear you can still catch the virus at the casino.
With the virus spreading rapidly, gamblers are asking if the trip to the casino is essential. For the smart gambler, online casino sites are now an appealing way to make real money without the risk of coronavirus infection. Even those that have COVID-19 symptoms and are on isolation can still enjoy their pastime without endangering others.
Most land gambling companies have taken a battering with substantial price drops that are likely to affect firms that employ tens of thousands of people between them. Those with online operations are beginning to see a significant uptick in their activities as large parts of the population become quarantined. With the Premier League, FA, EFL, and WSL postponed, bookmakers are likely to refund bets on the canceled events.
However, all is not lost. Believing in the saying the “you should never let a good crisis go to waste,” some bookmakers have seen new betting opportunities resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Scores of gamblers are substituting wagers on sports to other online casino and slot games on leading UK betting sites. UK-based betting firm 888 Holdings said in an update to the stock market:
“There is currently evidence of increased customer activity in the group’s casino and poker products that might, in part, compensate for the sports betting disruption for some time.”
The most significant advantage coming with online gambling is the fact that players are eligible for great bonuses. This includes the possibility of getting free money for new entrants in the form of playing credit to make your first deposit. Online casinos are doing this to lure customers from rivals and land-based casinos. It’s still unclear how COVID-19 will play out, but China seems to have gotten a handle on it. If you’re going to gamble during the pandemic, follow the safety rules.