Trump election could lead to online gaming ban in the US

With the controversial election of the United States 45th President, Donald J. Trump, questions have been raised about what will be the impact of this result on the local online gaming market. Observers anticipate that a Presidential administration led by Trump could potentially mean a nation-wide ban for online gaming.

Among the many sectors watching closely to what Trump as President of the US could mean for their business, is gaming, an industry in which the Republican leader has a long background. Despite there have been no official mention about this subject under his leadership, some professionals predict that online gaming in the US could be again under attack by opposition.

Gaming experts base their arguments on the fact that Sheldon Adelson, Las Vegas Sands CEO and a traditional opponent to online gaming in the US, would have donated US$25 million to support Trump’s campaign. In this sense, it is thought that in return Trump may have given Adelson assurances the topic would be addressed during his administration.

Rumours indicate that two of the most recent cabinet members considered for Trump have been Senator Tom Cotton and his former adversary, Senator Ted Cruz.

Cotton, reportedly to serve as US Defense Secretary, is a co-signer of the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA), the anti-online gaming legislation who introduced a similar bill in September. RAWA is the favoured legislation of Adelson, who maintains that his crusade to eliminate online gambling is a moral mission. Cruz, who is also being considered for a top position isn’t a supporter of online gaming either.

After the election results between Mr Trump and Mrs Clinton were finalised, Geoff Freeman, AGA President & CEO, commented that the “American Gaming Association (AGA) turns its attention to proactively engaging with the new Administration and incoming members of Congress.”

Currenty, only three states legally offer online gaming in the US, Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada, while legalization of it attempts this year in Pennsylvania and California.