Trump’s Second Term: iGaming Policy Shifts and Challenges

As the second administration of President Donald Trump takes shape, its policy shifts promise to ripple through many sectors of American life, with the gambling industry not immune from the upheaval. With a focus on immigration, environmental deregulation, tariffs, and energy policy, the potential consequences for the US gaming landscape are substantial—though industry stakeholders remain cautious, adopting a “wait-and-see” stance as they assess the impact of these unfolding changes.

At the heart of the conversation are three policy areas that stand to affect gambling licensees across the country: immigration and the legal status of hospitality workers, environmental policies that could disrupt energy availability, and economic measures that may limit access to crucial electronics used in gaming operations. While much of the conversation is still in flux, it’s clear that the Trump Administration’s course could reshape the gaming industry in ways that may not have been fully anticipated.

• Immigration enforcement and the future of DACA could disrupt the casino workforce, with undocumented workers fearing deportation and potential labor shortages in key areas like Las Vegas.

• Tariffs on Chinese goods and products from Canada and Mexico may raise costs for gaming equipment and components, potentially affecting the production and repair of gaming terminals and servers for online casinos.

• Energy deregulation under the Trump Administration could lead to increased energy costs for casinos, further impacting operating expenses and possibly raising prices for consumers.

Immigration Concern

One area of immediate concern is immigration, particularly as Trump has promised an aggressive stance on enforcement, echoing the policies of his first term. Thousands of arrests related to immigration violations have already raised alarm bells among industries reliant on immigrant labor, with undocumented workers increasingly fearful of deportation. This uncertainty has led to some workers calling off shifts, creating labor shortages in businesses across the nation.

For the gambling industry, which relies heavily on a mix of skilled and low-wage workers, the situation could be especially precarious. Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of Culinary Union Local 226, expressed some skepticism that enforcement actions would impact the workforce at Las Vegas casinos, noting that “it’s heavily regulated” and that employees must prove their legal status when hired.

However, Pappageorge’s optimism may be tempered by another looming concern: the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a key mechanism through which many migrant workers prove their eligibility to work. The Trump Administration's attempt to repeal DACA in the past has left many wondering whether further restrictions could disrupt the gaming workforce. If Trump successfully revisits this issue, it could have sweeping consequences for casinos in key hubs like Las Vegas, where immigrant labor plays a significant role in day-to-day operations.

Tariffs and the Impact on Gaming Tourism

Another area where the Trump Administration’s policies are causing ripples is trade. Early in 2025, Trump imposed tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, including a 25% tariff on most products and an additional 10% tax on Canadian energy. While these levies were initially delayed, concerns persist about the long-term consequences—particularly in cities like Las Vegas, which rely heavily on Canadian tourists. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Strip is particularly vulnerable, as Canada accounts for the largest share of international visitors to the city.

Richard N. Velotta, an industry journalist, notes that while tariffs themselves won’t directly tax Canadian visitors, the overall strain on US-Canada relations could diminish cross-border tourism. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority statistics further illustrate this vulnerability, showing that Nevada is one of the top-five destinations for Canadian visitors, many of whom are drawn to the state’s casinos.

The situation is more dire for other parts of the gaming industry as well. In addition to tariffs on Canadian products, Trump’s imposition of new taxes on Chinese goods could threaten the availability of critical gaming components, such as electronics and the semiconductors that power gaming machines. The tariffs on Chinese imports, which include essential materials like gallium and germanium—two metals crucial to semiconductor manufacturing—could lead to production delays and increased costs for the gaming sector.

Gaming licensees who rely on new gaming terminals or server equipment for online casinos may be faced with a supply chain bottleneck, limiting their ability to expand operations or service existing infrastructure. This could exacerbate existing shortages and drive up the cost of maintaining and updating equipment, which could ultimately translate into higher prices for consumers.

Perhaps one of the most significant policy changes, at least in terms of long-term impact, is the Trump Administration’s renewed emphasis on fossil fuel production. In a stark departure from Biden-era climate policies, the Trump Administration has rolled back regulations designed to curb fossil fuel dependence and increase investments in renewable energy.

While the full consequences of these changes will take time to materialize, the potential for volatility in energy markets is a clear concern. Energy price increases, coupled with the uncertainty about future environmental regulations, could impact operating costs for casinos—especially those with large energy demands. In the short term, a suspended tariff on Canadian energy could worsen this dynamic, potentially leading to higher costs for US-based operators.

The gambling industry’s dependence on consistent energy supply to power slot machines, digital interfaces, and online gaming platforms could further heighten the stakes of this energy uncertainty. And if the costs associated with these shifts are passed on to consumers, it could ultimately result in higher prices for casino-goers—further alienating an already cost-conscious demographic.

In our industry on the Las Vegas Strip, it’s not an issue,” Pappageorge told reporters. “Well, it’s heavily regulated. Most industries are not regulated like gaming.

Industry’s Response and the Future

Despite the myriad of potential risks, there are signs that the gaming industry is trying to gauge the long-term implications of these policies. Miriam Adelson, a prominent figure in the gaming world and a key donor to Trump’s campaign, likely sees favorable outcomes for the industry under a second Trump presidency. Yet, as energy prices and trade wars loom large on the horizon, even her confidence might be tested. With so many moving parts, it’s no surprise that many within the gambling industry are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Industry leaders are cautious in their analysis, recognizing the shifting political landscape could both present new opportunities and pose unforeseen challenges.

What is clear, however, is that the Trump Administration’s policies, especially on immigration, trade, and energy, have the potential to reshape the gambling industry in unexpected ways. Whether these changes will ultimately prove to be a boon or a burden remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the coming years will be crucial in determining the future of American casinos and their place in the global economy.

As the Trump Administration presses ahead with its agenda, the gaming world will be watching closely, hoping that the odds aren’t stacked too heavily against them.