Hurricane Earl passed over the island of Antigua over the weekend, and while it was no fun for those who were caught in its path, at this point the damage appears to be minimal. Minimal, at least, when compared to what might have transpired had the island felt Earl’s full force, instead of dealing with the system’s northwestern quadrant — “the most forgiving part” according to the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency.
Still, with wind gusts estimated as high as 105 mph and heavy flooding caused by seven inches of rain, several international online gaming operators that call Antigua home were temporarily knocked out of action by Earl’s fury. But Bodog Europe, which operates Bodog.ca and Bodog.co.uk from Antigua and London, remained in operation throughout the storm. Bodog Europe’s Antiguan operation is about as big as the rest of the Antigua online gaming industry combined, and as such, has invested in sufficient planning and infrastructure to handle life’s little ‘hiccups’.
Bettors should keep that in mind as Tropical Storm Fiona gathers strength several hundred miles off Antigua’s east coast. Even if it fails to muster hurricane force, Fiona will bring more rain to the already flooded island, and likely more disruptions to gaming service. This is, after all, the start of several months of the traditional storm season, which just so happens to coincide with the kickoff of a new NFL season. Read more.
