Black Hawk Joins NAAiG: A Stand Against Online Casinos

Black Hawk, a historic city nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, has made headlines recently by becoming the first municipality to join the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG). This decision signals a strong stance against the proliferation of online casinos, demonstrating the local government’s commitment to preserving the integrity of their gaming industry and protecting community interests.

NAAiG’s Mission: Protecting Communities from iGaming

The NAAiG is a coalition comprised of local businesses, industry veterans, community advocates, and concerned citizens who are united in their opposition to online gaming. The organization was established to highlight the threats posed by the burgeoning iGaming industry, with a specific focus on maintaining local jobs and economic stability throughout America.

Importantly, the NAAiG does not oppose gaming in general. In fact, they advocate for regulated in-person gaming that prioritizes the safety and welfare of local communities. Their main concern rests with online casinos, which they believe do not contribute to local economies in the same way that brick-and-mortar establishments do. As articulated by the organization, their goal is to foster "responsible, community-focused gaming," thereby building a resilient future for all stakeholders involved.

"By promoting responsible, community-focused gaming, we help create a stronger, more resilient future for all."
— NAAiG statement

Swift Decision by the City Council

The eagerness of Black Hawk City Council to join the NAAiG was evident, as they quickly endorsed the coalition after a presentation by Jason Gumer. His credentials as the vice chair of the NAAiG and executive vice president and general counsel for Monarch Casino lent credibility to his message, even if he does not consider himself a gifted public speaker.

Gumer effectively illustrated the potential dangers that online gaming poses to Colorado’s established land-based gaming sector, as well as its workforce and public health. His arguments were compelling enough to prompt a swift decision from the council.

"As of now, there are only seven states in the United States that allow this [iGaming], but Europe has had it for a while… [iGaming] was presented as a savior for governments and for tax revenue… but nothing’s been further from the truth."
— Jason Gumer, vice chair, NAAiG

Gumer warned that the advent of iGaming in Colorado could signal an end to new brick-and-mortar casinos being opened, stifling vital investments from casino companies that are crucial for local economic growth.

Grim Predictions for Colorado

A study commissioned by the NAAiG has painted a bleak picture of the consequences Colorado could face if iGaming is legalized. Conducted by The Innovation Group, the report anticipates a loss of 2,050 jobs statewide, including 1,200 direct jobs in mountain towns—a sector heavily reliant on the casino industry.

Furthermore, the state stands to face $129 million annually in lost labor income and a staggering $520 million in diminished economic output. The social costs linked to gambling addiction could escalate dramatically, with estimates suggesting an additional burden of around $830 million.

Gumer emphasized the economic threat posed by online gambling, asserting that profits from these establishments predominantly evade local economies and instead flow to out-of-state entities.

The City Council’s Commitment

Gumer’s well-reasoned points struck a chord with the Black Hawk City Council. Earlier in the year, a coalition of iGaming opponents managed to stall a legislative bill that sought to legalize online casinos, but Gumer expressed concern that similar measures would inevitably resurface.

He also challenged one of the principal arguments made by advocates for iGaming: that its legality should be accepted simply because some people are already engaging in illegal online gaming. Gumer described this rationale as "crazy," and it resonated with the conscience of the council.

Mayor David Spellman echoed Gumer’s concerns, expressing apprehension about the prospect of people gambling during work hours if iGaming were to be legalized. This shared commitment solidified the council’s decision to align with the NAAiG, reinforcing Black Hawk’s position as a guardian of its local gaming landscape.

Conclusion: Standing Firm Against iGaming

Black Hawk’s decision to join the NAAiG stands as a landmark moment in the ongoing debate surrounding the expansion of online casinos. It reflects a proactive approach by local governance in safeguarding community welfare, economic vitality, and the longstanding values associated with traditional, regulated gaming. As online gaming continues to gain traction nationwide, Black Hawk’s actions may well inspire other municipalities to take similar stands, favoring the interests of their communities over the allure of fleeting online profits.