Rush Street Interactive (RSI) CEO Richard Schwartz predicts President-elect Trump's second administration will likely maintain a hands-off approach to gaming regulations, potentially supporting industry expansion, particularly in iGaming.

Speaking at the Needham Consumer Tech and Ecommerce Virtual Conference, Schwartz highlighted key differences expected between Trump's first and second terms. While Trump's previous Justice Department challenged online gaming through Wire Act interpretation, the upcoming administration is anticipated to be more accommodating to the industry.

The CEO emphasized potential iGaming expansion opportunities in 2025, noting that only seven states currently permit online casino gaming: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. He pointed out that when combined with sports betting, iGaming generates approximately 75% of gaming tax revenue in states where both are legal.

Illinois and New York are considered potential candidates for iGaming legalization in 2025 as states seek additional revenue sources.

However, tribal gaming operators may face different challenges under the new administration. Trump's appointment of former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of Interior raises questions about tribal iGaming expansion, given Burgum's previous reluctance to extend online gaming beyond reservation boundaries.

Tribal gaming advocates maintain that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) supports online casino operations, provided betting occurs on tribal lands and payouts are processed from these properties.

This regulatory landscape suggests a potentially divergent approach between commercial and tribal gaming operations in the coming years, with commercial operators likely facing fewer federal restrictions while tribal entities navigate more complex regulatory considerations.

Related Articles

Previous Articles