Frankly speaking, the previous year and the ongoing one have put their imprint on all spheres of our everyday lives. Families and individuals were forced to tackle such common peculiarities as widespread lockdowns, financial jeopardy and territorial travel restrictions. Due to the burst of the coronavirus disease, friends and close relatives were constrained to live isolable. More than that, millions of citizens across the globe have lost their jobs and are now in dire need of a new occupation.
Similarly, the past and this year have been disappointing for the entertainment domain, for example, the gambling sphere. Brick-and-mortar casinos, especially, have suffered drastically since the inception of the pandemic.
Coronavirus and Land-Based Casinos
Once the coronavirus disease began to spread across multiple countries, governments started to take stringent measures regarding the safety of its residents. It goes without saying land-based gambling venues were dramatically afflicted by the imposed regulations. Although some brick-and-mortar casinos remained open, there were others that couldn’t make business as usual. Therefore, they initiated the process of administration. Since then, only a few venues were reopened but working with multiple restrictions. There are still queries concerning the long-run availability of brick-and-mortar casinos.
On the other side of the coin, when the role of land-based casinos was diminishing, online casino counterparts came onto the gambling scene. Moreover, plenty of brand new Internet casino platforms have appeared across the globe since those times.
To be honest, and it is fully logical, the online gambling domain has thrived significantly. Besides, online casinos and software providers began the production of technologically advanced gambling games for the playing audience. Nowadays punters could overwhelmingly relish playing modern 3D video slots, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, roulette and other engaging projects. On the other hand, because of the shortage of sports events around the world, betting was influenced not as it should be. On the other hand, the pandemic has had a thriving impact on online casinos and their ever-growing assortment of games offered. Thanks to an enormous selection of online casino websites, punters may opt for the source that could satisfy players’ whims and tastes.
Reputable Online Casinos
Seizing the opportunity, we would like to enumerate several trustworthy online casinos catering for gamblers from different parts of the planet. These platforms propose high standards of service, a comprehensive array of fascinating slot machines, table games and other projects too. The majority of games are available in a free mode, so newbies could have an empowering experience setting reels in stunning motion. Let’s meet:
- Katsubet. A newly established online casino with Dama N.V. being the owner. The venue cooperates with such iconic names in the software industry as NetEnt, Play’n GO and Microgaming to provide astonishing slot and card game titles for all kinds of players. Take part in exclusive tournaments as part of a bonus program of the casino. Available on iOS and Android devices as well
- House of Jack. Having over 4 years of gambling experience, the House of Jack casino represents a reputable casino venue with a decent game choice. Feel free to give slots, table games and live dealer titles a try to feel a sense of risk and exhilaration. The crocodile Jack, funny and innocuous, meets every newcomer to the casino
- Thebes. This online gambling platform has been offering its services since the year 2009. The Engage Entertainment business company is the current owner of Thebes and 10 other venues. A tier-based welcome bonus rewards punters with perk money on the first 3 deposits made. In case a perplexing issue pops up in regards to banking operations or gameplay, go ahead and address your question to the customer support service.
Asian Casinos Suffer Alarming Losses
Speaking of the current year, all ramifications suffered during the covid outbreak have influenced the gambling sector considerably. For example, some Asian brick-and-mortar casinos were forced to shut down.
Troublesome Case in Macau
As we all know, the coronavirus infection originated in China. As a result, in the winter of 2020, the Macau authoritative bodies had to close down all brick-and-mortar casinos for at least 2 weeks. Throughout the same year, casinos’ income was literally wiped out as it marked the most upsetting period of the gambling market in Asia. By the way, prior to the covid outbreak, the combined revenues of Macau casinos exceeded $3 billion.
Fortunately, the casino market of Macau is slowly recovering now. By April 2021 figures displayed a $1.05 billion income. Although it is far less than was in 2019, it is a promising sign nonetheless.
Gambling in the Philippines
Because of the surge in coronavirus cases in the previous year, the president of the Philippines had to suspend all gambling activities in the country. Nevertheless, several renowned brick-and-mortar casinos revived thanks to the program of staycation.
Regretfully, from now on, land-based casinos in Manila no longer operate. The Philippines Gambling Authority complies with all government regulations and fully supports the program of immunization. For gambling revenue streams to flow with the same force, the government pleads tourists and local residents to vaccinate.
What Lies In the Future?
Of course, brick-and-mortar casinos needed to slow down the spread of coronavirus at their venues. That is why operators have applied social distancing measures, compulsory wearing of masks and equipment disinfection. On the one hand, these steps are vital for the pandemic to end. On the other hand, this has put a damper on players’ experiences and the overall level of fun.
Definitely, it is a task for land-based operators to retain the same exhilaration and fun as it was several years ago. But unfortunately, the gambling domain is in decline now.
In Conclusion
On balance, pundits remain discouraged when speaking of the land-based casino situation for the remainder of the current year. Although multiple venues show signs of recovery, the overall future of casinos is bleak. The unpalatable truth is that regulatory bodies could close casinos down again at any given moment in time. Fortunately, the situation is more positive for next year. Experts hope everything will go back to normality once people get a vaccine.
