A new union of gambling business leaders, the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), has been established as a response to “concerns over the significant health and economic risks of iGaming.”
Its slogan is “Not worth the bet,” and its mission statement is “Protect jobs, communities, and our loved ones by opposing online gaming.” The association is straightforward with what it hopes to achieve: “iGaming threatens our economy, our health, displaces jobs and weakens oversight of responsible practices.”
The coalition’s leadership team includes executive members of The Cordish Companies, Monarch Casino & Resort, and Churchill Downs Incorporated; the National Association Against iGaming was said to have been formed to oppose the expansion of online iGaming and its potential dangers.
Specifically, the National Association Against iGaming has said that the legalization of online casino outlets can cannibalize land-based operations, which could lead to revenue loss (including job loss) and potentially millions of dollars in lower tax contributions. Due to the convenience of iGaming, fears were also raised around higher addiction rates and concerns regarding player protection.
The coalition published a study by The Innovation Group that “debunks the myth that iGaming offers easy revenue for states” and instead argues about the “damaging effect of iGaming expansion.” It is based upon the research started by regulators in Maryland to determine (and assess) the economic impact of online casino outlets.
Self-described as “champions of local communities, small business, and responsible gaming,” instead, the National Association Against iGaming reiterates its support of in-person, legal gambling due to it being highly regulated, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its players. This is due to safeguarding against underage gambling, the limiting of access, and the prevention of excess thanks to established support programs, something claimed to be lacking from the rising popularity of iGaming.
The organization has posted statistics related to the dangers of iGaming, claiming that a staggering 81% of gambling addicts play online or through gambling-related applications. Additionally, it has cited a massive rise of 267% in calls made to the National Problem Gambling hotline since iGaming was first introduced and eight times the likelihood that iGaming can lead to “compulsive gambling” with projected losses of $1 trillion by 2028.
The National Association Against iGaming advocates against addiction, mental health risks, economic damage, and harm to vulnerable people. There is a call to action for concerned citizens to get involved with sign-ups, giving people resources and data on the “risks of iGaming” and updates on advocacy efforts and initiatives as they happen.
In world news, UK banks join the Gambling Harms Action Lab.
