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New Study Reveals Economic and Social Risks of iGaming

Published

1 year ago

February 14, 2025

new-study-reveals-economic-and-social-risks-of-igaming

In response to the increasing concerns over the social and economic risks of iGaming, the gaming and entertainment business leaders have joined forces to launch the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG).

The organization is formed in opposition to the expansion of iGaming and its well-reported economic and social dangers and urges other local businesses, employee unions, and community groups to mobilize in their effort to protect local communities.

A new study for NAAiG by The Innovation Group, a research and advisory firm specializing in gaming, hospitality, and tourism that has previously conducted multiple studies of online gambling for state governments and industry stakeholders, debunks the myth that iGaming offers easy revenue for states. Instead, the study uncovers the damaging effects of iGaming expansion, exposing widespread job losses and significant declines in economic output across multiple states.

Main findings of the report:

Land-based casino revenue drops by 16% on average after iGaming is introduced, leading to substantial job losses, hundreds of millions of dollars in lost economic output and reduced tax contributions that fund public services.

States introducing iGaming face significant economic losses, with projected job cuts reaching 4921 in New York and 4733 in Illinois by 2029.

iGaming results in significant losses for states in economic output. All states analyzed would see massive GDP reductions, including Ohio ($602 million), Indiana ($428 million), Maryland ($372 million), and Colorado ($313 million).

States’ net tax gains from iGaming are limited, even before accounting for the increased social costs associated with its high rates of problem gambling and related social ills. For instance, Louisiana, Maryland, and Mississippi could all see negative net tax revenue due to displaced in-person gaming dollars and related impacts on state and local economies.

Brick-and-mortar casinos in every state would face significant revenue losses due to iGaming cannibalization. Projections reach up to $983.7 million in New York, $545.3 million in Illinois, $522.6 million in Ohio, and $342.6 million in Maryland by 2029.

The introduction of iGaming reduces in-person casino employment, with an estimated 2818 jobs lost in Ohio, 2642 in Louisiana and 1906 in Mississippi.

The job losses caused by iGaming will result in massive reductions each year in employee wages and related taxes for states. Annual labor income losses would reach nearly $110 million in Colorado and Maryland, $204 million in Ohio, nearly $300 million in Illinois, and nearly $450 million in New York.

States with iGaming experience an 8.3% decline in distributed gaming revenue, impacting taverns and small gaming establishments.

Projected U.S. gambling losses from iGaming are expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2028, straining local economies and public health resources.

“These statistics underscore the urgent need for action. iGaming’s unchecked access to gambling on cell phones is bad public policy that threatens local jobs and businesses and will cost states. When increased social costs caused by iGaming higher rates of underage and problem gambling are considered, the net tax revenue results are uniformly negative for every state,” said Mark Stewart, EVP & General Counsel of The Cordish Companies and NAAiG board member. “

“Beyond the lack of any real upside for states, iGaming puts vulnerable individuals at greater risk of problem gambling and financial instability. NAAiG is uniting stakeholders to push back and stop the spread of these harmful trends and advocate for responsible gaming policies,” said NAAiG board member Jason Gumer, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Monarch Casino & Resort Inc.

“iGaming is eroding our communities. This isn’t just about responsible gaming—it’s about protecting local family-sustaining jobs and preventing financial harm. In Maryland alone, iGaming could cost $372 million in economic output, $342.6 million in lost casino revenue and nearly $110 million in annual wages. We must act now to protect our state and local economies nationwide,” said Shannon McCracken, Senior Director of Government Relations at Churchill Downs Incorporated and NAAIG board member.

The post New Study Reveals Economic and Social Risks of iGaming appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Armenia

TaDa to Participate in MAC Yerevan Summit

Published

59 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

tada-to-participate-in-mac-yerevan-summit

TaDa Gaming is going to participate in MAC Yerevan summit, one of the industry’s most influential gatherings for affiliate marketing and online gaming professionals, this 26-27 May.

With a strategic plan to: expand its footprint in Eastern and Eurasian markets; strengthen its partner and affiliate network; and demonstrate its 240+ portfolio of performance-driven content and award-winning gamification tools, TaDa will host live demonstrations, interactive play and one-to-one meetings at Stand G10.

In addition, the team will reveal TaDa’s seamless API integration capabilities, data-driven performance insights across key markets and the flexible collaboration models that make TaDa a valuable partner.

Speeding up successful outcomes in the conversion funnel is also critical. TaDa’s approach to Eastern and Eurasian markets has seen the provider expand from a supplier role into a “Growth Partner” for operators.

This has turned TaDa products into high-performance engines for traffic acquisition and business results and seen the company take the award for Game Studio of the Year 2026 at AIBC Eurasia.

Access to high growth markets across the region has been further enhanced by TaDa’s raft of gaming licences including the Romanian ONJN, UKGC and MGA and new player acquisition channels have already opened up for the ambitious content provider.

Visitors to Stand G10 will also be able to discover how TaDa combines its premium product content with integrated marketing strategies to optimise this traffic to amplify brand recognition and player engagement and retention; and to scale affiliate revenue engines.

Ray Lee, Director of Business Development at TaDa Gaming, said: “Our focus is on delivering content that performs. MAC Yerevan provides the ideal environment to connect with forward-thinking operators and affiliates who are looking for scalable, revenue-generating solutions.

“From our unique fish-shooting titles, trademarked slot series and award-winning Crash games, we are delivering next gen gaming that is shaping the future of iGaming. We welcome everyone to visit Stand G10 and find out more.”

The post TaDa to Participate in MAC Yerevan Summit appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AI

MGA Launches Consultation on AI Gaming Charter

Published

60 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

mga-launches-consultation-on-ai-gaming-charter

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has launched a public consultation on a proposed AI Gaming Charter on the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence.

The Charter has been developed in collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) and is intended to provide voluntary, principles-based guidance to support the responsible and transparent use of AI within the sector. It is designed to complement existing legal and regulatory frameworks, including the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, while reflecting the specific operational context of the gaming industry.

The post MGA Launches Consultation on AI Gaming Charter appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Admiral Bet

Amusnet Italy Announces New Strategic Partnership with Admiral Bet

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-italy-announces-new-strategic-partnership-with-admiral-bet

Amusnet Italy has announced a new strategic partnership with Admiral Bet, marking another important milestone in the company’s expansion across key regulated European markets. By collaborating with a trusted and well-established operator, the provider continues to strengthen its presence in Italy.

Through this partnership, Admiral Bet players will gain access to a selection of Amusnet’s most iconic titles, known for their seamless gameplay, high-quality graphics and engaging mechanics. The integration is set to enhance Admiral Bet’s premium casino offering with content that has already proven highly popular among Italian players.

The initial rollout includes several flagship titles, such as the refined appeal of Shining Crown and Extra Crown, the dynamic rewards of 20 Golden Coins and the enduring favourite 20 Super Hot.

“Our collaboration with Admiral Bet represents a valuable opportunity to further strengthen our presence in Italy. It reflects our strong commitment to the market and our ambition to deliver top-tier entertainment to local players,” said Polina Nedyalkova, Director at Amusnet Italy.

“We are delighted to introduce Amusnet’s portfolio on Admiral Bet, further enhancing our content offering with a selection of titles that successfully combine the appeal of classic slot gameplay with refined visuals and intuitive mechanics. This integration represents another step forward in strengthening our product portfolio, allowing us to deliver a well-balanced and high-quality gaming experience that caters to a wide range of player preferences,” said Paolo Marchi, Managing Director of Admiral Bet.

This partnership further underscores Amusnet’s dedication to strengthening its footprint in regulated European markets, combining its leading game development expertise with Admiral Bet’s strong market reach and operational capabilities.

The post Amusnet Italy Announces New Strategic Partnership with Admiral Bet appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.