Industry Executives Say Online Casinos Represent the Future of Gambling in the US

The Digital Future of Gambling: Industry Leaders Push for Online Expansion

Although online gambling and sports betting are currently legal in only a handful of U.S. states, industry leaders are confident that the future of gambling lies on the internet. At the SBC Summit North America held in January 2025, experts acknowledged the challenges of expanding the online sector—primarily due to slow legalization—but maintained that digital platforms will eventually dominate the industry. Some even worry this trend could threaten traditional, land-based casinos.

Elizabeth Seuver, Vice President of Bally’s Corporation, explained at the summit, “Once you get to millennials, people are comfortable basically running their entire life off their cell phone.” This digital-first mindset includes online gambling, especially for players who face legal restrictions in their states. The ability to gamble from mobile devices adds another layer of convenience, while fast payouts are increasingly important to younger users who expect quick access to their winnings.

Currently, only seven states—Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia—have legalized online casinos. In contrast, 38 states allow online sports betting, most of which takes place through mobile apps. Interestingly, Nevada, known for its iconic Las Vegas Strip, only permits online poker, with other casino games still off-limits.

The widespread adoption of online sports betting stems from the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, which allowed individual states to legalize it. Many assumed iGaming would follow the same path, but that hasn’t yet materialized. Shawn Fluharty, President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, highlighted this gap in legislative momentum.

Brandt Iden, Vice President of Fanatics Betting & Gaming, emphasized the significance of online gaming: “iGaming is paramount; this is the direction the industry needs to go to be successful, and this is where consumers want it to go.”

One of the starkest illustrations of online gambling’s growing influence is in New Jersey, where Deutsche Bank issued a report forecasting that online gambling revenues will eventually surpass those of Atlantic City’s physical casinos.

Panelists at the summit emphasized the need to educate lawmakers on the benefits of online casinos. In states lacking a legal framework, unregulated and often unsafe platforms are filling the void. Legalizing online gambling would introduce regulated, transparent, and responsible alternatives that promote safer user experiences.

Tax revenue is another key consideration. Cesar Fernandez of FanDuel noted that the company alone has contributed $3.2 billion in taxes since 2018, underscoring the potential financial benefits for states considering legalization.

While concerns about online gambling cannibalizing brick-and-mortar casinos persist, industry insiders believe both sectors can coexist and complement each other—boosting entertainment options, creating jobs, and driving tax revenue.

Of course, regulating online platforms brings challenges, particularly around problem gambling. However, licensed sites often include tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and session time-outs to support responsible gambling.

As society continues to shift toward digital solutions, the gambling industry in the U.S. must adapt to stay relevant. Legalizing and regulating online gambling may be the next step in delivering safe, accessible, and modern entertainment experiences for millions of Americans.