Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Schwartz believes President-elect Trump's second administration is unlikely to impose new gaming regulations and may actually support gaming expansion, including iGaming.

Speaking at the Needham Consumer Tech and Ecommerce Virtual Conference, Schwartz noted Trump's historically favorable stance toward gaming, marking a potential shift from his first term when the Department of Justice pursued restrictive interpretations of the Wire Act.

The expected hands-off approach could benefit iGaming expansion in 2025, particularly as states seek new revenue sources. Currently, only seven states permit online casino gaming: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

"When an iCasino is added to a state with legal sports betting, about three-quarters of the taxes comes from iCasino versus sportsbooks, making it a profitable way to raise taxes," Schwartz explained.

However, tribal gaming operators may face different challenges under Trump's administration. The appointment of former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of Interior raises concerns, given his previous reluctance to expand tribal gaming into online operations during his governorship.

Tribal gaming advocates maintain that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) supports online casino operations, provided betting occurs on tribal lands and winnings are paid from these properties. Large states like Illinois and New York are considered potential candidates for iGaming legalization in 2025.

This regulatory landscape presents a mixed outlook: favorable conditions for commercial operators but potential hurdles for tribal entities seeking to expand into online gaming.

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