Winter in the Northeast can bring more than just chilly temperatures and snowflakes.
Every few years, a massive winter storm reminds us how unpredictable weather can be. Winter Storm Hernando, a powerful nor'easter and bomb cyclone, recently swept through the region, affecting states like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Among the places hit hardest were the Northeast’s bustling casinos.
Here’s a look at how Hernando impacted these gaming hubs and what it means for their future operations.
Casinos Close Amid Blizzard Conditions
Winter Storm Hernando’s heavy snowfall, high winds, and blizzard conditions led to major disruptions across the Northeast. Let's explore how different states and their casinos managed:
Rhode Island and New Hampshire: Complete Shutdowns
In both Rhode Island and New Hampshire, severe blizzard conditions forced casinos to close their doors completely.
In Rhode Island, the closing was in line with the State of Emergency declared by Governor Dan McKee. These closures meant a complete halt in casino revenue during the storm.
Connecticut and New York: Partial Adjustments
In Connecticut, some tribal casinos, like Mohegan Sun, stayed open but saw significant changes.
While core gaming sections like slots and table games remained operational, many restaurants, bars, retail stores, and amenities were closed or operated on reduced hours.
In New York, casinos faced fewer disruptions but still had to contend with broader regional issues, such as power outages.
Atlantic City: Adaptation Over Closure
Unlike its regional counterparts, Atlantic City’s casinos remained open despite nearly 14.5 inches of snow and strong winds.
They implemented proactive measures such as affordable room rates and free parking to keep guests coming even during the storm. Casino operations continued normally, with only a few resort amenities closing temporarily.
Casinos in other areas (e.g., Massachusetts, Maine) generally remained open with minimal reported disruptions. Although broader regional issues, such as power outages (affecting over 600,000 across the Northeast) and travel bans, could have indirectly impacted attendance and staffing.
The Economic Impacts of Winter Storm Hernando
The casinos faced different levels of economic impact due to Winter Storm Hernando. Here’s a breakdown of the financial aftermath:
Short-Term Disruptions but Limited Severe Impact
The effects of Hernando’s wrath were mixed. Rhode Island and New Hampshire casinos experienced the most pronounced hits due to total closures.
However, in places like Atlantic City and to some extent Connecticut, the impact was more operational. For example, while non-gaming revenue such as dining and entertainment took a hit, gaming operations continued, mitigating some financial loss.
Potential Boost to Online Gaming
While land-based casinos were disrupted, online casino platforms might have seen a silver lining. With people staying home, online gaming likely gained some traction as a safer entertainment alternative during the storm.
Learning from Past Winter Storms
Winter Storm Hernando is not the first storm to disrupt Northeast casinos.
Here are key comparable stories from past storms, focusing on casino impacts:
- Blizzard of 1978 (February 5-7): One of the most catastrophic nor'easters in Northeast history, dumping record snow (e.g., 20.1 inches in Atlantic City, over 27 inches in parts of New England) with hurricane-force winds and massive disruptions.
- December 2010 Nor'easter/Blizzards: Multiple heavy snow events hammered the Northeast, causing airport shutdowns (including all three NYC-area airports simultaneously) and massive flight cancellations. Atlantic City casinos saw significant revenue drops (around 15% in affected months per historical reports), as travel became impossible and visitation plummeted.
- Storm of the Century (March 1993): Dumped feet of snow across the East Coast (up to 56 inches in spots), affecting 26+ states with $5-10 billion in damage. Northeast casinos (including emerging ones) saw tourism halt.
Those historic storms have taught casinos valuable lessons in operation during extreme weather. As in past storms, the key to resilience lies in balancing core operations with safety and customer satisfaction.
Winter Storm Hernando Not Detrimental to Northeast Casinos
When it was all said and done, Winter Storm Hernando's impact was significant but not catastrophic for Northeast casinos.
Despite blizzard conditions leading to closures in some areas, major hubs like Atlantic City proved their resilience. The region’s casinos continue to show adaptability and are expected to bounce back quickly once roads clear and conditions improve.
As witnessed during past weather events, the demand for gaming will likely shift back to normal soon, demonstrating the enduring appeal of casino entertainment even in the face of Mother Nature’s challenges.
