Swine Flu May Drive Gambling to Online Casinos

As the illness spreads from country to country, public gatherings are cancelled or diminished in number, leading gaming experts to foresee a rise in Internet gaming and entertainment, including gambling at online casinos.

The World Health Organization released a warning today that the erupting swine flu epidemic may soon be worldwide. As the illness spreads from country to country, public gatherings are cancelled or diminished in number, leading gaming experts to foresee a rise in Internet gaming and entertainment, including gambling at online casinos.

Over 150 people in Mexico have died from the virulent flu virus. Reports of cases in the US have resulted in the closing of schools in Texas and California. Travel is being limited, with those residing in at-risk areas being advised to avoid restaurants, movie theatres, and other public entertainment.

With cases arising around the globe, including such countries as Mexico, the US, Israel, New Zealand, Spain, and Belgium, WHO officials are afraid the flu might be beyond measures to contain it.

The US Centers for Disease Control advised that "continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States."

Airport management is preparing for the need to examine passengers entering the US. One airport spokesman said, "We're on alert, but we're still in normal operations."

Gaming experts say a continued advance toward a pandemic will give land-based gambling another body blow, further driving earnings and visitor numbers down.

"Many people, fearful of being infected, will choose the Internet as a primary source of entertainment," says OCA senior gambling analyst Sherman Bradley. "Online gambling sites will be able to expect markedly higher visitor rates while fears of contagion spread.

"The number of choices for home enjoyment will be limited, and online poker and Internet casinos are sure to be among the methods for passing time during the medical crisis."