A brand-new coalition consisting of leaders in the entertainment and gaming industry has been formed. It is called the NAAiG - the National Association Against iGaming – and it seeks to address the 'escalating concerns over the economic and health risks' associated with online gaming.

A newly formed coalition of entertainment and gaming business leaders has launched the National Association Against iGaming or NAAiG in response to the "escalating concerns over the significant health and economic risks of iGaming." The coalition aims to push back against the expansion of online casino gaming, citing potential economic losses, job displacement, and increased problem gambling as key concerns.

The NAAiG's leadership comprises different executives from Monarch Casino & Resort, Churchill Downs Incorporated, and The Cordish Companies. The organization has positioned itself as a staunch opponent of online gambling expansion, warning of its well-documented social and economic consequences.

Economic and social concerns

A primary argument put forth by the NAAiG is that legalizing online casinos cannibalizes land-based casino revenues, leading to job losses, decreased economic activity, and reduced tax contributions. The group points to a newly published study made by The Innovation Group, which it claims debunks the notion that iGaming is an easy revenue source for states. According to the study, the expansion of online casinos results in significant economic harm rather than long-term benefits.

"Beyond the lack of any real upside for states, iGaming puts vulnerable individuals at greater risk of problem gambling and financial instability," said Jason Gumer, NAAiG board member and EVP/general counsel at Monarch Casino & Resort. "NAAiG is uniting stakeholders to push back and stop the spread of these harmful trends while advocating for responsible gaming policies."

Legislative testimonies and advocacy efforts

NAAiG members have actively participated in iGaming legislative hearings, emphasizing their concerns regarding the impact of digital gambling platforms. Mark Stewart, general counsel and Executive Vice President of The Cordish Companies as well as an NAAiG board member, has voiced concerns over the implications of unrestricted mobile access to gambling, arguing that it could lead to higher rates of addiction and underage gambling.

"iGaming's unchecked access to gambling on cell phones is bad public policy that threatens local jobs and businesses and will cost states," Stewart stated. He continued that when the increased social costs caused by iGaming - such as higher rates of underage and problem gambling - are considered, the net tax revenue results are negative for every state.

Despite Cordish's opposition to iGaming expansion, Stewart acknowledged that if online gambling were to be legalized, the company would seek licensure. "We will do very well, but we think Maryland won't do very well, and we know our employees won't do very well, and that's why we're opposed to it," he remarked during a legislative hearing.

NAAiG's advocacy concerns

As part of its advocacy efforts, the NAAiG is calling on employee unions, community groups, and local businesses to oppose online gambling expansion and instead support what it calls "community-focused, sustainable gaming."

Shannon McCracken, Senior Director of Government Relations at Churchill Downs and NAAiG board member, stated "iGaming is eroding our communities. This isn't just about responsible gaming - it's about protecting local, family-sustaining jobs and preventing financial harm. We must act now to protect our state and local economies nationwide."

iGaming supporters push back

The iDevelopment and Economic Association, or iDEA Growth, which represents stakeholders in both retail and online gaming - including BetMGM, Rush Street Interactive, Bally's, and Boyd Interactive - has responded to NAAiG's claims. The association argues that many major US casino operators recognize iGaming as a valuable complement to their brick-and-mortar businesses rather than a threat.

"Opposition to iGaming is both misguided and misinformed, ignoring the realities of consumer demand and the benefits of a well-regulated online marketplace for the overall gaming ecosystem," iDEA Growth stated. "Forming a group to oppose regulated online gaming does not change the fact that millions of Americans are already gambling online through illegal, unregulated operators that offer no consumer protections, responsible gaming safeguards, or tax contributions to states."

The organization further contends that prohibiting legal online casinos will only drive consumers toward black-market gambling sites, where they lack access to safeguards against fraud and gambling addiction.