Numerous companies are experiencing difficulties as Hurricane Milton moves toward Florida; this is especially the case in areas like Tampa Bay, Melbourne, and Orlando. Residents’ daily lives have been made more difficult by the extensive closures of roads, airports, colleges, and schools due to the approaching storm.
The hurricane is predicted to cause a decline in travel and foot traffic, which will financially hurt Florida’s casino industry. If things become worse, a number of casinos and poker rooms have stated they might have to close. Concerns among business owners are heightened by the fact that this storm is arriving only weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated areas of the state.
Florida is home to seven casinos operated by Native American Tribes. Six of these casinos belong to the Seminole Tribe, while the Miccosukee Tribe operates one in Miami. In light of Hurricane Milton, casinos in the storm’s projected path have taken precautionary measures. Many are prepared to suspend operations as safety becomes a priority.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, located in South Florida, remains operational for now. However, it has created a dedicated webpage to keep guests updated on the hurricane’s impact. The casino emphasized its commitment to safety, stating, “Please check back frequently for any changes or cancellations. We will provide real-time updates as the situation evolves.” The venue reassured visitors, declaring, “The safety of our guests and Team Members is our top priority. As we actively monitor Hurricane Milton, we want to keep you informed of any changes to our services and operations.”
In addition to casinos, poker rooms are feeling the effects of Hurricane Milton. Racebook and TGT Poker in Tampa have temporarily closed their doors, while Win! Derby poker room announced on Instagram that it would “remain closed until Hurricane Milton safely clears our area.”
As the ninth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm on October 7, 2024, according to NOAA. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings, stating the storm could be “one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.” Residents and businesses alike are preparing for the worst as they await Milton’s landfall.
The post Hurricane Milton Disrupts Operations at Florida Casinos and Poker Rooms appeared first on iGaming.org.