Donald Trump May Oppose iGambling

On January 20th 2017, Donald Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States, and while his subsequent tenure may not necessarily impact the gambling industry as a whole, concerns exist that the online gambling sector may not be so fortunate.
This may seem counterintuitive and fly against the common misconception that having ran land-based casinos, Trump will likewise be keen to see online gambling legalized nationwide. After all, as Trump stated back in 2011:
” [Online gambling] has to happen because many other countries are doing it and like usual the U.S. is just missing out.”
Nevertheless, Trump offered his tacit support for internet gambling five years ago, and given the billionaire businessman’s propensity for changing his stances on various issues, there is no guaranteeing that he still holds the same views.
Even if he was still in favor of internet gambling on a federal basis, he would still face significant challenges advancing his position given the opposition of fellow Republicans such as Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Jason Chaffetz. Then there’s the question of Trump’s relationship with the country’s biggest crusader against iGaming, Sheldon Adelson, who is believed to have help fund Trump during his presidential campaign.
Needless to say, Adelson will now have the ear of the next president, with all the negative implications that scenario may have for the future of online poker in the US. Furthermore, the Republicans now holding majorities in both houses of Congress may embolden them to try advancing further RAWA type legislation in the future.
On a more positive note, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has been an ardent supporter of Trump on his way to the White House, and given his aversion to seeing New Jersey’s online gambling industry being dismantled, he may help provide a counter voice to those opposed to the industry.