Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Schwartz believes President-elect Trump's second administration will likely maintain a hands-off approach to gaming regulations and could potentially support industry expansion, particularly in iGaming.

Speaking at the Needham Consumer Tech and Ecommerce Virtual Conference, Schwartz expressed optimism about Trump's stance on gaming, noting a likely shift from his first term's more restrictive approach. During Trump's initial presidency, the Department of Justice had attempted to broadly interpret the Wire Act of 1961, potentially threatening online gaming operations before a 2021 federal court ruling limited its scope to sports betting.

Looking ahead to 2025, Schwartz sees promising opportunities for iGaming expansion beyond the current seven states where it's legal (Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia). He emphasized the significant tax revenue potential, noting that iGaming typically generates about three-quarters of gaming tax revenue in states where both online casinos and sports betting are legal.

While commercial gaming operators may benefit from this relaxed regulatory environment, tribal gaming entities could face different challenges. Trump's appointment of former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary has raised concerns, given Burgum's previous reluctance to expand tribal gaming into the online space.

However, tribal gaming advocates argue 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, as states continue seeking new revenue sources.

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