As efforts to legalize online casinos continue to face obstacles in many U.S. states, there’s a growing call to rethink the approach to online gaming legislation. In a recent statement, Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim has proposed a more targeted strategy that focuses on introducing live dealer games as a step toward broader online casino operations. This incremental approach could serve as a pivotal moment in the fight for legal online gaming in states that remain cautious about fully regulated online gambling.
The Case for Live Dealer Games
Soo Kim’s proposition centers around legalizing live dealer casino games, including popular classics such as blackjack and roulette, that feature real human dealers streamed online. He believes this strategy will resonate more strongly with lawmakers, many of whom harbor reservations about the potential impacts of fully regulated online gaming. “Why not just live dealers? I actually think live dealer can be an interesting solution in a lot of places,” Kim stated.
Addressing Legislative Concerns
One of the principal challenges lawmakers face when considering full-scale iGaming is the potential economic impact on traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. Concerns about job losses, reduced foot traffic, and increased competition often fuel the resistance against online casino legislation. Kim argues that starting with live dealer games could alleviate these fears because these games maintain the employment of in-state dealers, creating jobs that lend credibility to the online gambling landscape.
The tangible human interaction that live dealer games offer differentiates them from traditional online gaming, where players interact with algorithms rather than live human beings. This element can be appealing to legislators who are wary of the rapid expansion of digital gaming without adequate regulatory oversight.
Success Stories: The Rhode Island Example
The idea of emphasizing live dealer games isn’t a novel one; it has already been tested and found successful in states like Rhode Island. There, Bally’s operates under a legal framework that allows only live dealer games to be streamed online while prioritizing local hiring. “In Rhode Island, the regulators felt really good about live dealer. They liked that we’re still employing people in the state, and it had fewer constitutional questions,” Kim observed, highlighting the model’s viability.
This pilot program serves as a blueprint for states hesitant to embrace the broader online gaming landscape, creating a productive dialogue about the benefits of legal live dealer games without immediately necessitating the introduction of online slots or other digital options that often spark intense competition among stakeholders.
The Wider Industry Support
Bally’s approach to legalizing live dealer games is not without allies. Industry experts and stakeholders, including Charmaine Hogan of Playtech, have echoed similar sentiment, asserting that live dealer games can serve as an important transitional step that creates a legitimate pathway to wider acceptance of online gaming. Hogan remarked, “Live dealer casino is a pivotal element of the iGaming industry, offering players an immersive experience that combines the ambiance of traditional casinos with the convenience of online platforms.”
Skepticism and Challenges Ahead
Not everyone, however, is convinced that starting with live dealer games will quickly lead to broader iGaming legalization. Howard Glaser, head of government affairs at gaming supplier Light & Wonder, voiced skepticism, noting that even in markets where live dealer games thrive, the majority of revenue often still derives from traditional slots. “Even in states where live dealer is robust, 80% of revenue is still from slots,” he pointed out, warning that breaking legislative gridlock may still require tackling the full spectrum of gaming options.
States like Illinois are exploring this avenue, recognizing that legislators may be more open to approving table games over online slots given the longstanding presence of video gaming terminals (VGTs) in the state. Rep. Edgar Gonzalez stated, “Table games I think are easier to sell to legislators than slots.” His comments underscore the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to gaming policy that considers existing industry frameworks.
In New York, Sen. Joe Addabbo has sought to garner legislative support for iGaming through packages that include live dealer games and job protection for existing casino employees. However, resistance from influential labor unions suggests that achieving progress will require careful negotiation and compromise among diverse interest groups.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the existing skepticism surrounding Kim’s initiative, he remains optimistic that a focus on live dealer legislation can help break the stalemate that has long plagued online casino expansion efforts across the United States. By prioritizing this human-centric approach to online gaming, stakeholders can seek a solution that addresses the concerns of lawmakers and meets the evolving demands of consumers in an increasing digital landscape.
In conclusion, while the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the push for a more incremental strategy that begins with live dealer games possesses the potential to reshape the online gambling landscape in the U.S. By listening to both the regulatory and market dynamics at play, advocates for online gaming might find common ground in this innovative approach, ultimately paving the way for comprehensive online gambling legislation in the future.
