Sheldon Adelson, a gambling magnate and staunch opponent of online betting, argued that digital gambling would undermine the land-based casino industry, harming local economies. His influence delayed the expansion of online gambling in the United States for years. However, following his death in 2021, states began loosening their regulations, granting licenses, and allowing online betting to become a significant source of tax revenue. Today, many states receive millions from this activity, but the key question remains: is regulation balanced, or is online gambling cannibalizing land-based casinos?

Land-based casinos not only generate tax revenue but also drive local economies through direct and indirect employment, tourism, and commercial development. In contrast, digital platforms operate with significantly lower costs without providing the same community benefits. In states like New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, the rise of online gambling has coexisted with traditional casinos, but concerns persist: are measures in place to ensure that online growth does not displace brick-and-mortar establishments?

The growth of online gambling has been exponential in recent years. Since the legalization of sports betting in 2018, the U.S. market has reached an estimated value of $63 billion in 2023. Tax revenues have also been substantial, with more than $7 billion collected in state taxes since 2018. New York, with a 51% tax rate, has contributed $2.6 billion to this total.

Meanwhile, traditional casinos have maintained their economic relevance. In 2023, land-based casino revenues surpassed pre-pandemic levels, generating billions in state and local taxes. However, this growth could be threatened if online gambling regulations fail to adequately protect the physical casino industry.

Despite the digital gambling boom, states have adopted various strategies to mitigate the impact on land-based casinos. Some have implemented higher tax rates for online betting, restricted advertising, and enforced regulations requiring digital platforms to partner with physical operators. However, in other markets where online gambling has grown unchecked, there has been a noticeable decline in traditional casino revenue and job losses in the sector.

In markets like New Jersey, online gambling growth has outpaced that of land-based casinos. For example, in October 2024, online betting revenues hit a record $213.6 million, while physical casino revenues declined compared to previous years. Only three of the nine Atlantic City casinos reported earnings higher than in October 2019.

This trend suggests that, without balanced regulations, the rise of online gambling can negatively impact traditional casinos by reducing their revenue and potentially leading to job losses in the sector.

The challenge lies in finding a balance. An effective regulatory model must ensure that taxes and restrictions on online gambling not only generate revenue but also protect the economic infrastructure of land-based casinos. States must continually assess whether their regulations are working to maintain the viability of both industries.

States that have chosen to expand online gambling must consistently evaluate its impact. A model that ensures equilibrium between both sectors will allow tax benefits to coexist without becoming a threat to traditional casinos, which remain a key economic driver in many local economies. Will this phenomenon be replicated in other parts of the world? Effective Regulations or an Unsustainable Model? The answer will depend on how regulators manage this challenge.