A newly formed coalition of regional casino operators is pushing back hard against the rise of iGaming, warning that the rapid growth of online gambling is taking a toll on local economies. The National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) has released a study highlighting the potential economic and social fallout from widespread legalization.
The NAAiG-backed study, conducted by the Innovation Group, claims that iGaming is siphoning revenue from land-based casinos, leading to job losses and a shrinking economic footprint. According to the findings, states that introduce iGaming see an average 16% revenue drop in brick-and-mortar casinos, translating to thousands of lost jobs and reduced tax contributions that fund vital public services. The study projects gambling-related losses from iGaming could surpass $1 trillion by 2028, putting immense strain on local economies.
The opposition isn’t just about dollars and cents. NAAiG argues that in-person gaming supports local businesses and sustains long-term employment, while online gambling drains money from communities. Top online casinos, like the ones listed here, have become popular due to their instant withdrawals and generous bonuses. This has fueled digital gambling’s rise according to gambling expert Viola D’Elia. But critics insist this shift comes at a cost.
They argue that as more gamblers opt for digital platforms, traditional casino venues lose crucial foot traffic, harming surrounding businesses and destabilizing local economies. This group has positioned itself as a direct counterforce to major casino companies that are fully embracing the digital gambling boom. With battle lines drawn, the clash over iGaming’s future is heating up fast.
Leading the charge against iGaming expansion are executives from Cordish Companies, Red Rock Resorts, Monarch Casino & Resort, Churchill Downs Incorporated, Jack Entertainment, and other regional powerhouses. They’re calling on policymakers, labor unions, and community organizations to push back against online gambling, citing long-term risks to jobs and economic stability.
Their report warns that if states like New York, Illinois, and Ohio greenlight iGaming, thousands of casino-related jobs could vanish. Ohio alone could lose more than 2,800 positions, while Colorado and Maryland each risk seeing nearly $110 million in lost wages annually.
The battle over iGaming is far from over, and both sides are digging in. Online gaming advocates argue that the industry’s evolution is creating new revenue streams, not killing old ones.
Gene Johnson, an executive vice president at Victor Strategies and a vocal supporter of iGaming, has cast doubt on the NAAiG study, saying its conclusions fail to account for the industry’s adaptability. He points to states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, where iGaming has generated billions, proving its economic potential.
Despite Johnson’s arguments, NAAiG is not budging. Mark Stewart, a top executive at The Cordish Companies and a NAAiG board member, insists unchecked iGaming expansion is a threat to local economies.
He points to Pennsylvania’s experience with online gambling as proof, claiming traditional casino jobs have already suffered. If more states follow suit, he warns, they could face the same fate. With high stakes and strong opinions on both sides, the fight over iGaming’s future in the U.S. is only getting started.
