There’s not a single person that hasn’t heard of, or sadly, been affected by the new Coronavirus. The virus is spreading faster than any government could predict. The situation in the US has escalated, and it’s taking a toll on the economy.
Amidst this health crisis, many industries had to shut down their businesses, land-based casinos included. With the shutdown of brick-and-mortar casino venues, online gambling has spiked. If you’re considering betting online, there are a few things you need to consider to have a safe and fun experience.
News Highlights
- US land-based casinos have shut down, giving players the option to gamble online
- The outbreak of COVID-19 will likely lead to an increase in online casino gambling
- It’s essential to put into practice responsible gaming habits while playing online
US Land-Based Casinos Shutting Down
Brick-and-mortar casinos in the US bring cities and states millions of dollars of revenue annually. Almost all land-based casinos have closed down due to the massive spread of COVID-19. Considering the virus spreads through human contact, these venues pose a great risk for quick virus spread.
State governments had no other choice but to order their closure. All casinos in Atlantic City, Nevada, and those nearby Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York have closed their doors for visitors, uncertain about when they might open again.
Negative Economic Impact
The American Gaming Association (AGA) pointed out that more than 90% of US casinos are shut down at the moment, which means over 900 casinos all around the country were affected by the virus. In numbers, that’s more than 600,000 casino workers. AGA’s CEO and President, Bill Miller, stated to Congress:
The federal government must act swiftly and comprehensively to get America’s hospitality employees and the small businesses that support them, back to work. Gaming employees, their families, and communities are bearing the brunt of this economic standstill and will continue to suffer if Congress and the administration don’t take immediate action.Bill Miller
The Effects on Online Casino Gambling
Considering online wagering is now regulated in many US states, players are slowly shifting to online betting in these uncertain times. A spike in online gaming is noticeable, which is mainly due to land-based casino closures and the lack of sports events. Since all sports events are canceled, sports bettors were left empty-handed.
With this in mind, there will likely be an online gambling increase in the US. Considering gamblers are used to placing bets, by joining these online casinos, they will get the chance to do so.
Risky Betting Behavior
However, considering the UK’s example, industry leaders might want to tread carefully. UK gambling analysts predict this situation could wreak havoc among people. As a country with experience in regulated online betting for years, experts predict the following:
As we go deeper into the crisis, more and more people will turn to online betting as a distraction. Especially those used to placing sports bets and those who already have a gambling disorder. These players want to quench their thirst, so they would start betting on anything, even if they don’t know the game, and that could lead to serious gambling problems.UK gambling analysts
How to Gamble Safely Online
The OUSC team wants to make sure you know how to find reputable online casinos. Take a look at our step-by-step guide.
Check Online Casino Reviews
First, you should read some online casino reviews to get an idea of what type of site you’ve come across. At OUSC, we have an entire online casino reviews page you can check out to find suggestions.
Sign Up at the Casino Site
When you’ve found the casino you like, register. You will need to provide some basic personal details and create your username and password.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus
If you’re a first time player, make sure you take advantage of a welcome bonus to add more funds to your gaming account. Take note of the bonus code when making your deposit.
Make Your First-Time Deposit
Go to the Cashier section of the casino and pick your deposit method from the offered ones. Choose one, add the amount you want to deposit, and enter the welcome bonus code.
Play Real Money Games Online
Once you have made your deposit, you can start playing your favorite real money casino games online. If you win, head over to the cashier section and choose your withdrawal method to cash out your winnings!
Top Reputable US Online Casinos
At OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com, you will find a long list of reputable online casinos you can join. We thoroughly review these casinos and make sure they are excellent options for you to join. Take a look at our top-rated online casinos.
El Royale
With over 200 games and a mobile-friendly platform, El Royale is a top-rated online casino site. Take advantage of their $12,500 welcome bonus package.
BetOnline
Online since 2001, BetOnline is a reputable casino with over 300 games. The site also offers the latest live casino games for a more interactive experience.
Wild Casino
Wild Casino is an excellent option for online casino gaming. The brand offers bonuses for new players, a mobile-optimized site, and over 175 casino games.
Practice Responsible Gambling
With land-based casinos temporarily closed, an increase in online gambling is expected. With so many options to wager online, US players will slowly shift to online casino gaming.
However, as pointed out by UK experts, players should practice responsible gambling. The best way to do this is by setting a clear budget limit and sticking to it. Only then can you enjoy safe online wagering from home and stay entertained during these difficult times.
