US Snowstorms to Benefit Online Casinos
The strong wintry weather across the US has gambling industry experts predicting a boost in play at online casinos to close the year. The past eleven months had already been a boom time for the Internet gambling operators, as surveys showed that unique US visitors to online gambling sites was increasing by double digits on a percentage basis.
Now the winter storms blasting much of the country has made holiday travel problematic. The closings of runways in New York and Chicago and the freezing rain and gusting winds found from San Fransisco to Massachusetts had casino management in Las Vegas figuring many cancellations from would-be patrons, many of whom will be turning to the Internet for their December entertainment.
Online Casino Advisory associate gambling analyst Cliff O'Donnell said, "The online casinos were already happy with numbers that showed they had as nearly many players in November in the US as retail sites had shoppers. Now the numbers will get a late strong close, pushed by people whose travelling has been cancelled. If you're snowed in, the Internet is a good way to avoid cabin fever."
Railroads and Interstates were as strongly affected by weather as airports. An Amtrak spokesman even told of trains covered in ice in the Chicago area. A number of highway deaths have been attributed to the weather.
Online casino operators have felt the coming year may be a breakout year for the industry. Changes are expected to be made in US law, legalizing and regulating Internet gambling. Considering the volume and rate of growth in the business currently, while under a supposed ban, 2009 could be the best year so far for online gambling.
