Many things happened in 2025, including tariffs imposed by the US. Following the 2024 elections, the new administration in the United States of America, led by Trump, decided to change many things, one of which was to impose tariffs on the products it imports from many countries. This decision had a huge effect on everything, including the gambling industry.
Unfortunately, the team of Nostrabet.com and I believe that these tariffs will have a negative impact on the gambling industry as a whole. It may not have an immediate effect, but unless the US changes its policies, the industry will be affected one way or another. After all, America has the largest gambling market in the world because people spend around $172B in 2024 alone.
But how can the new tariffs actually affect the gambling and iGaming industry in the US and the world? Well, let’s find out.
#1 Consumer Spending Shifts
Whether we are talking about the gambling industry in the US, Europe, or anywhere else, consumers drive this business forward. If the consumer has some kind of problem, it will affect the entire industry. Unfortunately, the tariffs have the potential to do that.
Even though consumers may not experience anything initially, the tariffs will change a lot of things for them. Since the prices of most everyday goods will increase, players may decide to tighten their discretionary spending. The latter will include all kinds of things, including gambling and betting.
If there’s one word that describes the current situation, it is uncertainty. Since no one knows what may happen in the next couple of months or years, many potential gamblers will be reluctant to take any financial risks. Sure, there will always be people who gamble online and in person, but the overall number will probably be lower than before.
#2 The Cost of Casino Equipment & Supplies
Even though online gambling continues to grow in popularity in the US, many gamblers prefer land-based casinos. In fact, the country has the most prominent land-based gambling industry in the world because Vegas welcomes millions worldwide every year.
That said, the new tariffs will almost certainly affect this industry as well. Since most casinos rely on components that they import from other countries (such as China), they will spend more money on maintaining what they have. This means they will either have to reduce their winnings or increase the minimum bet amount, meaning consumers will pay the price.
Some operators import their slot machines, furniture, surveillance tech, and other components in addition to the different components. Having to pay more for the same items will increase consumers’ prices. As mentioned, this is not good for anyone because many people will simply stop gambling.
#3 Potential Currency and Payment Issues
People who’ve been following global events know that the US tariffs had a negative effect on the country’s currency. Many experts expected the US dollar to increase in value, but this wasn’t the case. This will inevitably affect online bettors worldwide, especially those in the US.
The fact that the US dollar is “weaker” decreases people’s purchasing power. As a result, some of them will simply not have enough money to feel comfortable using it for gambling purposes.
On the other hand, the weaker US dollar opens the door and may allow gamblers from outside of the US to have a better time while playing. Even though the USD is the world’s most popular currency, it’s not the strongest. Therefore, people whose currency is stronger can use that to their advantage and get more for their money.
Slower Crypto Integrations
Speaking of currencies, many modern gambling operators focus on cryptocurrencies. More and more companies integrate these payment systems into their portfolios and even provide crypto casino games and other products.
Unfortunately, this process costs a lot of money and usually requires specific hardware (such as Chinese-manufactured chips). Due to Trump’s new tariffs, some sites will have financial difficulties sourcing the tech to integrate cryptocurrencies into their portfolios. Consequently, players should expect delays.
#4 Fewer “Gambling Tourists”
It’s no secret that tourism and land-based gambling work hand in hand. People have different reasons for visiting certain parts of the world, and gambling is one of them. Las Vegas, for example, had more than 40.83M visitors in 2023 alone, many of whom only went there because they wanted to gamble.
Sadly, the newly imposed tariffs will most likely change the tourism industry as well. Although it may not directly impact this business, many people will stop traveling for the purpose of gambling. The decline in international and domestic tourism will inevitably affect the brick-and-mortar gambling establishments.
Economic reasons aside, some people are even boycotting going to the US because of the country’s policies. Some stats reveal that border crossing from Canada to the US is down by 20% in February 2025 (even though these stats are before the introduction of the tariffs, it’s related to the US’s policies).
#5 Impact on Marketing & Sponsorship Deals
Online gambling operators and some of the biggest land-based gambling brands spend millions on ads and sponsorship deals. Marketing is essential for these businesses because it allows them to get new clients. While we do not expect these brands to stop investing, they may need to tighten their budgets.
If the expenses for online and land-based gambling companies continue to increase, some will have to reevaluate their ongoing deals. As a result, some brands may decide to stop sponsoring a given sports club, individual, or league. Although it may not seem like a big deal, the sponsored entity often relies on the money that comes in, so any changes in this department will almost always affect it negatively.
To be fair, the ongoing “trade war” will also impact the potential investments of the gambling companies themselves. Some of the biggest names in the business are accessible on the stock market, but due to the market’s uncertainty, people and other companies will not be as willing to invest in them.
#6 Doubling Down on Local Markets
Due to the market’s uncertainty and the fact that expanding into new regions will become more expensive, many gambling firms may double down on local markets. So, instead of using more money to advertise their services internationally, a lot of companies will focus on the domestic market.
This is good news for consumers who reside in countries where gambling is allowed. Sadly, the websites that offer gambling services may have problems because they will need to compete even more than before. The fact that an entire industry may focus on the local market will lead to saturation and tougher competition. In other words, brands will have to be more aggressive with their marketing campaign and spend more money than before.
What’s Next?
What I mentioned here are just some of the things that have already happened or will most likely happen soon. Overall, it’s safe to say that the ongoing trade war is not good for any business, especially gambling. Since people will need to pay more money for pretty much everything, they will be less likely to use their funds for entertainment.
The situation is very dynamic, and no one knows what will happen. A potential change in the US tariff policy could bring things back to normal, at least for the gambling industry. Sadly, the stock market already took a massive hit as trillions of dollars were wiped out just a few days after President Trump announced the new tariffs.
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