What’s the Financial Future for the Casino Industry Post-Trump Election?

_{Trump in the White House’s brings fresh hope to the casino sector. (Image: AP Photo/Evan Vucci)}

When Donald Trump became President Elect in 2024, a wave of optimism washed over the casinos, primarily due to his historical ties to the gaming sector and his pro-business policies. 

Are the analysts and optimists right in their belief that the casino industry may be set to reap the rewards of a new broom at the White House? 

For casino and gaming companies, the stakes are uniquely high. Trump’s past associations with the gambling industry, coupled with the expectation of a pro-betting administration, have spurred stock price surges and speculative interest across the sector. 

Trump’s Involvement in the Casino Business

Donald Trump has had a long history in the casino industry, using his family name to affiliate with various gambling ventures over the years. While he once owned and operated several properties, including the Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, and Trump Marina, these establishments are no longer in operation. 

As of now, Trump is not actively involved in managing or operating any casinos. 

His name continues to appear on several properties, but this is mainly for marketing purposes rather than any direct involvement in their operations. 

Some of the venues that still feature the Trump name include the Trump International Hotel & Tower in New York and Chicago, Trump National Doral in Miami, Trump Turnberry in Scotland, as well as Resorts World Manila and Resorts World Bayshore in the Philippines.

However, any connections to these casinos are largely symbolic and do not indicate active participation by Trump himself. 

Could Trump’s Magic Touch Skyrocket the Casino Industry?

Casino owner or not Trump’s election as President of the USA could see the financial trajectory of the casino industry going upwards if he sprinkles a little of his magic gold dust by way of a more deregulated environment and favourable tax conditions.    

Analysts predict that Trump’s administration will actively support the expansion of sports betting and online casinos, enabling these businesses to tap into new revenue streams amidst a backdrop of record growth in the industry.  

Many view Trump’s administration as likely to advocate for policies that facilitate cross-state online gambling and sports betting, addressing existing barriers that have historically hindered growth and allowed them to operate across state lines and potentially access a wider audience. 

Companies like Entain and Flutter Entertainment, which owns brands like BetMGM and FanDuel, may see new opportunities for investment and partnership with US-based operators.  

Trump’s election has reignited Wall Street’s enthusiasm for casino and sports betting stocks. After his win, the shares of major gaming corporations, such as Wynn Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, experienced a rise of around 5-7%. 

DraftKings and FanDuel, two of the largest sports betting platforms in the United States, have also seen a jump in share prices.

Game Changers Face Complex Political Landscape

While Trump’s election has led to an immediate boost in casino and betting stocks, some analysts urge caution. They note that while the stock market’s initial response reflects optimism, the true impact of any regulatory changes will only materialise over time.  

Despite a Trump administration expected to be favourable toward gambling and betting, the political landscape remains complex. If Trump’s policies face significant opposition in Congress, or if his stance on gambling becomes more conservative, the expected regulatory relaxation may not come to fruition as anticipated.