Gaming industry leaders hope for growth under Trump administration   

Jenny Ortiz February 3, 2025
Gaming industry leaders hope for growth under Trump administration   

Industry leaders are watching closely as US President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, hoping his administration will foster a favourable environment for gaming and iGaming. While concerns remain about international policies and regulatory shifts, industry leaders believe Trump’s business-friendly stance could benefit the sector.  

Speaking exclusively with SiGMA News, Jonas Diego, a gaming industry leader and investor based in Asia, said that Trump’s return to the White House will be more impactful than his previous term.   

“Specific industries such as the gaming industry are probably a little nervous because it is still unknown how the US President’s new policies will truly impact gaming, especially on the international stage,” Diego stated. However, he expects US-based gaming companies to continue pursuing international collaborations and investments, noting that Asia-Pacific remains the largest gaming region while South America is the fastest-growing.  

“The two biggest opportunities for gaming are outside the US. Asia-Pacific is the largest region, and South America is the fastest growing. I don’t see the President will be doing much to hold US gaming businesses back,” Diego said.  

Trump’s business policies and global gaming impact  

Trump’s ‘America First’ approach, which includes tariffs on foreign entities, has raised questions about how international gaming collaborations and investments will fare. Diego believes that while Trump’s policies might have implications for global trade, the gaming-related BPO sector in the Philippines will remain largely unaffected. He pointed out that relocating all operations back to the US, where labour costs are higher, would hurt gaming companies’ bottom lines.  

Moreover, Trump’s past involvement in the gaming industry, particularly in Atlantic City’s casino scene, suggests that his administration may adopt policies beneficial to the sector. His increasing interest in cryptocurrency could also lead to more integration between gaming and digital currencies.  

Regulatory changes and the future of online gaming  

Many gaming businesses have welcomed Trump’s promise to limit government overreach. However, Diego noted that the exact implications of this policy shift remain unclear. “We’re unsure as of yet what less overreach means or looks like exactly, especially for the gaming industry in the US,” he said. “The exact nature of that intention will dictate how various industries, including gaming, will capitalise on it.”  

Industry stakeholders are also optimistic about Trump’s potential support for online gaming. His recent visit to Las Vegas, where he promoted a plan to eliminate taxation on tips, was viewed as a sign of his commitment to the sector. While only seven states currently allow online casino gambling, nearly 40 have legalised online sports betting. Industry leaders hope that Trump’s presence will encourage more states to pass legislation supporting online gaming.  

Industry leaders are also lobbying for removing the federal sports betting excise tax and increasing the slot tax threshold, with the American Gaming Association (AGA) welcoming Trump’s early engagement with gaming-related economic policies.  

Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA, expressed confidence in Trump’s support, citing his history of backing gaming interests. Several states, including New York, Indiana, and Wyoming, are expected to renew efforts in 2025 to legalise online casinos. While gambling laws remain a state-level issue, Trump’s perceived backing could influence decisions, particularly in Republican-led states.  

Opportunities and challenges in gaming  

Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency are expected to shape the gaming landscape under Trump’s leadership. Diego highlighted AI as a major factor in improving customer experience, combatting money laundering, and promoting responsible gambling. However, he also warned of challenges such as increased demand for computing power and the risk of AI being used for fraudulent activities.  

Cryptocurrency remains another area of opportunity and concern. Diego noted that its integration into gaming could bring both benefits and regulatory hurdles, especially regarding money laundering and responsible gambling.  

“I daresay that, given President Trump’s background in gaming (he was a major player in Atlantic City’s casinos during the 1980s) and with his new-found relationship with crypto, we could be seeing more crossovers between gaming and crypto moving forward,” Diego said. “I believe that Trump’s administration will be generally friendly to the gaming industry and, as such, will have a trickle-down effect on the gaming industry here in the Philippines.”  

Trump’s vision for economic growth and its effect on gaming  

Trump’s ambition to make America “the envy of every nation” is seen as a potential boost to US-based gaming companies. While it is too early to determine the full impact of Trump’s policies, Diego believes that Trump’s ability to market and promote industries could benefit gaming enterprises.  

His administration’s push for tax cuts, such as a proposal to abolish tax on tips, has been met with enthusiasm by the gaming and hospitality sectors. However, concerns remain about the long-term financial implications, with analysts warning that such measures could add trillions to the national debt.  

Industry remains cautiously optimistic  

As the Trump administration moves forward, the gaming industry remains cautiously optimistic. While uncertainties exist regarding regulatory policies and international trade, industry experts believe that Trump’s pro-business stance and history with gaming could result in a favourable environment for growth.  

“It’s probably too early to tell, but if there’s anything President Trump knows how to do, it’s how to sell something,” Diego summed up the prevailing sentiment. For many in the gaming sector, the coming years will reveal whether Trump’s policies will genuinely benefit the industry or pose unforeseen challenges. 

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