Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States in 2025 raises complex questions about the implications for the gaming industry, a sector undergoing significant transformation.

Trump’s historical ties to casinos, his support from prominent industry figures like Miriam Adelson, and recent regulatory trends create a framework that demands rigorous and nuanced analysis.

Before his political career, Trump was a prominent figure in the casino industry, owning landmark properties in Atlantic City, such as the Trump Plaza and the Trump Taj Mahal. Although these projects eventually faced bankruptcy, they underscored his inclination towards a sector that combines entertainment and gambling as an economic engine. This background, combined with his pro-business rhetoric, has fueled expectations about how his administration might influence the future of gaming in the United States.

However, Trump’s track record in the industry is not without controversy. The financial failures of his Atlantic City properties raise questions about his understanding of the sector’s complexities. This contrasts with his ability to attract support from key players, such as Miriam Adelson, who contributed generously to his presidential campaign. This support is no coincidence; Sheldon Adelson’s widow represents one of the most powerful interests in the gaming world, suggesting a possible alignment of priorities between the Trump administration and major corporations in the sector.

The U.S. gaming industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. In 2023, it reached record revenues of $66.5 billion, with online casinos playing an increasingly important role. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan have led this transformation, expanded online gaming legalization and establishing new regulatory standards.

At the federal level, the landscape is less uniform. Although the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Murphy v. NCAA allowed states to legalize sports betting, gaming regulation remains a complex mosaic.

The Trump administration could, in theory, centralize certain policies, facilitating interstate expansion for operators. However, this would require balancing state and federal interests, a significant political challenge.

Trump’s pro-business philosophy and inclination towards deregulation could benefit the sector in terms of taxes and entry barriers. Initiatives to reduce corporate taxes, combined with incentives for infrastructure investments, could stimulate the construction of new casinos and the expansion of online platforms. Additionally, a Trump administration could reinterpret the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), facilitating the operations of U.S. companies in international markets.

Nonetheless, risks associated with his governance style and policy priorities persist. Economic protectionism and trade tensions could negatively impact companies that rely on imported technological components or operate in global markets. Moreover, his history of prioritizing political loyalty over technical expertise raises questions about the effectiveness of his appointments to key regulatory agencies such as the Gaming Commission.

Miriam Adelson’s financial support, which exceeded $100 million in Trump’s campaign, underscores the political weight of the gaming industry. The influence of Las Vegas Sands, one of the world’s largest casino operators, could translate into a more favorable regulatory environment for major players, potentially at the expense of smaller and emerging operators.

This support also reflects a long-term strategy. Las Vegas Sands has shown interest in expanding casinos in traditionally conservative states and strengthening its position in Asia. A Trump administration could facilitate these objectives by promoting bilateral agreements and reducing regulatory barriers.

The Trump administration could also influence the expansion of U.S. casino operators into regions like the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This country has shown a gradual openness to the entertainment and gaming sector, as evidenced by the inauguration of integrated resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with specific regulations allowing controlled gambling.

A favorable foreign policy and strengthened trade agreements between the U.S. and the UAE under the Trump administration could open new opportunities for American operators. Las Vegas Sands’ expertise in international markets could serve as a model for this expansion, combining luxury, advanced technology, and a diversified offering that attracts global consumers.

The impact of Trump’s presidency on the gaming industry will be determined by a complex interaction of factors. On one hand, his personal history, combined with support from influential figures like Miriam Adelson, suggests an alignment of interests that could favor the sector’s expansion and deregulation. On the other hand, the inherent risks of his leadership style, including trade tensions and political unpredictability, present challenges that should not be underestimated.