Coronavirus Shutdown: Could it be a Boon for Online Gambling?
The coronavirus pandemic has closed down most large events in the United States. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced a slew of closures in his state Monday. Many entertainment, fitness, and social facilities, including Atlantic City casinos, were closed by 8 pm.
Online casinos and poker rooms have thrived during the current pandemic. Online sportsbooks won't enjoy the same benefits. The UFC cancelled its next three shows. Major sports leagues are still playing. Futures betting is available for leagues that were interrupted by the outbreak. The NFL and Major League Baseball are yet to begin their next seasons. Soccer games continue in Turkey, Russia, and Argentina.
Few states offer online gambling. The current crisis could be an inspiration for new laws to be passed. It has typically taken months for states to get online gaming sites up and running. Offshore gambling sites could benefit from the shutdown. They have been taking action, though unregulated, and with little oversight, from Americans for many years.