Casino Industry Worried About Swine Flu Epidemic

If indeed the Swine Flu epidemic continues to grow, land based casinos could be at risk of losing even more customers. They already have seen revenue figures decrease due to the economy.

The epidemic is ravishing Mexico, with over 150 confirmed deaths due to the virus. The rest of the world has been put on alert that it may spread by the World Health Organization.

"If the virus continues to spread, there is the possibility that less people would go out to casinos and that would further hurt revenue numbers for the month of May," said observer Chris Frucose, "This is not what these land based casinos need at a time of continuing financial strain."

The industry that may benefit, however, from the Swine Flu may be online gambling. If people do chose to stay inside out of fear, Internet gambling sites may see an increase in business.

"People will still need to fill their leisure entertainment, so online gambling sites could see increased player sign ups," said Walter Bendan, "New customers that have never gambled online may be inclined to do so while they wait out the epidemic."

The vaccine for the Swine Flu is not expected out for a couple of months, and any delay in that process could have casinos inside the US on the Mexican border scrambling for players.

The outbreak has not been heavy in the US as of yet, but Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California has declared a state of emergency. California is one of the leading casino gambling states in the nation.

April 29, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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