Donald Trump’s Stance on Gambling Is a Complex History of Support and Opposition

_{Donald Trump’s complex relationship with the gambling includes support for casino development and mixed views on gaming expansion. (Image: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy)}

In a stunning political comeback, Donald Trump was projected to become the 47th president of the United States early Wednesday morning, achieving a remarkable Electoral College victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Trump's campaign focused on reclaiming critical states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where he garnered significant support among white rural and working-class voters, while also making notable gains among ethnic minorities. 

Trump addressed his supporters, stating, "There’s never been anything like this in this country, and maybe beyond... We’re going to help our country heal, and it needs help very badly."

How Will Trump Deal With the Gambling Industry?

The US and other countries will now be pondering what the fallout of this victory will mean for them. The gambling industry will be reviewing historic interviews and articles on Trump’s stance on gambling and no doubt busy making their case for a new political administration.

Trump's past as an owner of casino destination and his involvement in developing properties with gaming options have fuelled speculation about his true feelings on gambling. 

Trump once remarked in 2011 that online gambling "has to happen because many other countries are doing it," indicating his awareness of the potential economic benefits of expanding gambling options in the US. 

His victory marked the end of a two-decade losing streak for Republican nominees in the popular vote. He promised to ‘Make America Great Again’ and he will have his work cut out. His campaign promised to address border security and energy independence, among other key issues. It is the gambling industry our readers will be concerned with as the landscape of gambling in the United States evolves.  

All Eyes on the New President Hoping for Champion of the Gambling Industry 

Donald Trump’s views on the subject have become a topic of renewed interest. The former President of the United States has had a long and intricate relationship with gambling, characterised by both support for legalisation and concerns about potential corruption. 

_{Trump, pictured at his Palm Springs casino, championed sports betting legalization long before his presidency. (Image: Charlie Knight / Alamy)}

Historically, Trump has been a champion for the expansion of legalised sports betting. Before his presidency, he expressed discontent with legislation that restricted states from offering sports betting, particularly criticising the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992. 

Trump argued that states like New Jersey should have the right to legalise sports betting, claiming it would benefit taxpayers and contribute to funding for senior citizens. 

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump stated, “I’m OK with it because it’s happening anyway. Whether you have it or you don’t have it, you have it,” indicating a pragmatic approach to the issue. 

Despite his earlier support, his administration later took a stance opposing the legalisation of sports betting alongside major professional sports leagues, most notably during New Jersey’s efforts to legalise the practice. 

Trump Pragmatic on Presence of Corruption in the Gambling Industry 

In the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark decision in 2018 that struck down PASPA, resulting in a wave of states legalising sports betting, Trump's position on gambling has garnered mixed reactions. 

While he acknowledged the inevitability of legal sports betting, he also expressed concerns about its implications, stating, “You are going to have corruption where you have gambling,” suggesting that its scale could determine the severity of such corruption.

As discussions surrounding gambling policy continue to unfold, the gambling industry remains cautiously optimistic about leaders who may not oppose its expansion. Trump's complex record and business interests in the gambling realm make him a significant figure in the ongoing debate over gambling's place in American society. 

As new administrations take shape, stakeholders in the gaming industry will be watching closely to see how Trump’s views and potential future policies may influence the sector.