California Storm Could Drive Up Profits For Online Casino Poker Operators

Saturday January 05, 2008

A fierce storm packing hurricane force winds has walloped the state of California with a one-two punch that promises to leave millions of residents stranded in their homes. For online casino and poker operators, brisk business is expected from this region all day long.

"It's a Saturday and these online casino operators will see a boost in player activity since stormy days have proven lucrative to the Internet gambling industry as a whole," says Gambling911 Senior Editor, Payton O'Brien. "Glad I'm in Florida," she added.

About 600,000 people from the Bay Area to the Central Valley were in the dark early Saturday, down from about 1.5 million the day before. Crews worked to restore power, but it could be days before all the lights are on, Pacific Gas & Electric officials said.

"In times like these the only other option is to play online poker, utilizing those nifty little backup battery packs and a broadband connection that works even during storms."

Those awaiting flights out of San Francisco's busy airport may end up in the same boat. Delays of up to an hour were being reported during the morning hours.

For online casino and poker operators, the start to the new year has been lucrative.

Bella Vegas Casino, an online casino operator that has been offering 100% signup bonuses this week, reported soaring profits thanks to inclement weather conditions throughout the United States this past week.

Doyles Room, an online poker room, advised Gambling911 that they have witnessed a dramatic increase among various regions in the States for their huge money Internet tournaments.

"The coldest weather in years left many in South Florida stuck in their homes," O'Brien said. "Wind chills in the 20's and 30's were reported as far south as Miami."

Pet dogs, who are usually provided with a warm coat to wear when temperatures dip into the 60's, were seen strolling fashionable Lincoln Road in three layers, walking their owners.

On Saturday, howling winds, pelting rain and heavy snow took its heaviest toll Friday on Northern California, where trucks flipped on interstates.

The huge storm also toppled trees and cut power to thousands of residents in Washington and Oregon.

"A huge tree, over 100 years old, just fell across the house. It just wrecked the whole thing," said Faye Reed, whose daughter Teenia owns the damaged home north of Sacramento. "They won't be able to live in it. The whole ceiling fell in, and now it's raining inside."