As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact industries around the world, casinos are no exception. With their doors forced closed to patrons, the once bustling establishments now sit empty and silent, their slot machines and card tables left untouched. But as the casinos remain dormant, a surprising transformation is taking place on their usually busy waterfronts.
In Las Vegas, the iconic Bellagio fountain sits still, its synchronized water show now just a memory. Nearby, the Mirage volcano no longer erupts in a blaze of fire and water, captivating onlookers. The Las Vegas Strip, typically crowded with tourists and gamblers, is now eerily quiet and desolate.
But as the casinos lay dormant, their flotsam and jetsam are finding new life. In Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, the once busy marina where luxury yachts and boats once docked is now a refuge for wildlife. Birds nest in the abandoned boats, and marine life thrives in the calm waters.
In Atlantic City, seagulls now roost on the empty boardwalk, and dolphins can be seen swimming near the once busy casino piers. The loss of human activity has allowed nature to reclaim its space, a silver lining in an otherwise bleak situation.
The closure of casinos has had a ripple effect on the surrounding communities as well. Many employees who rely on the casinos for their livelihood are now struggling to make ends meet. Local businesses that depend on the foot traffic generated by the casinos are also feeling the impact.
But amid the challenges, there is a sense of hope and resilience. Some casinos are finding creative ways to stay connected with their patrons, offering online gaming options and virtual experiences. Others are using their resources to support their employees and the wider community during this difficult time.
As the world waits for the day when casinos can reopen their doors and welcome back guests, the flotsam and jetsam of these once vibrant establishments continue to find new life in unexpected ways. And for now, nature reigns supreme in the former playgrounds of gamblers and thrill-seekers.
