The coronavirus epidemic has had a chilling effect on the casino industry in Southeast Asia, and Las Vegas may soon see the same. On March 5, casino stocks began to tumble as the financial markets reacted negatively to the spread of the COVID-19 virus to Nevada.

The first patient in Nevada has tested positive for the coronavirus virus. A man in his 50s has been hospitalized and is now in isolation in southern Nevada. He had reportedly traveled to Washington State, where it is speculated that he had contracted the virus.

This news was devasating for casino operator stocks. Early in the day, it was reported that the Red Rock Resort shares fell by 11.3%, falling to $17.03. As the day went along, the value of the target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow noreferrer”Red Rock Resort stock continued to decline, decreasing 13.86% to a share value of $16.53. MGM Resorts International shares also saw a significant drop in their value as the stock market opened, falling 8.7% to a new price of $21.28. They have also seen a continual decline, falling another 3% to a price value of $20.60.

Other stocks saw a sharp decline as well. Boyd Gaming Corporation dropped 9.3%, falling to $22.43. Wynn Resorts Ltd fell 9.5% to a value of $95.62. The Las Vegas Sands Corporation shares have seen the smallest decline, falling 4.14% this afternoon to a total of $54.88.