In the dynamic landscape of the US casino industry, the push towards legalizing online casinos has encountered significant headwinds. This year, despite numerous legislative efforts, most bills aiming to legalize online gambling have stalled. A key player in this resistance is the emergence of the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), which has played a pivotal role in slowing down these legislative endeavors.

Legal Sports Report (LSR) recently had a conversation with Mark Stewart, Executive Vice President at Cordish Companies and a board member of NAAiG, to delve into the organization’s ongoing efforts and stance on online casino expansion.

Stewart shared that the inception of the coalition stemmed from widespread concerns within the industry about how online gambling expansion could affect traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, not just economically but also in terms of their reputation and overall health of the industry. The dialogue among industry peers revealed a shared apprehension, leading David Cordish to propose forming a national association to address these concerns collectively.

When asked about

the arguments that have been persuasive with legislators, Stewart highlighted several compelling points. The impact on jobs has been paramount; states that have embraced online casinos have seen notable reductions in their casino workforce. Furthermore, there’s growing unease about how mobile gambling transforms user interaction with betting products. Americans’ frequent phone use coupled with round-the-clock access to gambling creates a worrisome scenario for many stakeholders.

The concept of “friction-based gaming,” where players must physically visit a casino, withdraw cash, and interact with others, introduces natural pauses for reflection that are absent in mobile or online betting environments. This shift towards isolated gambling experiences is alarming for many within the industry.

Discussing whether Cordish’s position on iGaming has evolved, Stewart noted no change in stance but acknowledged a broader shift in perspective across the sector. Initial optimism about online gambling complementing traditional forms has waned as negative impacts become more apparent. Concerns range from socio-economic repercussions on low-income families to increases in family breakdowns and crime rates.

NAAiG’s focus remains squarely on opposing online casino expansion while recognizing potential overlaps with online sports betting harms. Although some association members support measures to mitigate sports betting damages, their primary goal is preventing further legalization of online casinos rather than attempting to repeal existing laws related to sports betting.

Addressing arguments that legalization could bring underground activities into regulatory oversight and taxation frameworks, Stewart emphasized prioritizing enforcement over legalization. He advocates for stronger tools to combat illegal operations without resorting to legalizing every illicit activity simply because it exists.

This dialogue sheds light on a critical debate within the US gaming industry: balancing innovation and growth against potential societal harms and industry sustainability. As discussions continue and stakeholders weigh their options, it remains clear that any path forward will require careful consideration and collaboration among all parties involved.