Black Hawk Leads Fight Against Online Gambling

Key Takeaways:

• Black Hawk City Council unanimously joins the National Association Against iGaming (NAAG)
• NAAG warns of potential job losses and economic impact if iGaming is legalized in Colorado
• The move highlights growing tensions between traditional casinos and online gambling platforms

Black Hawk, Colorado, renowned for its brick-and-mortar casinos, has positioned itself at the forefront of the fight against online gambling. In a recent city council meeting, officials unanimously voted to join the National Association Against iGaming (NAAG), making Black Hawk the first municipality in the country to align with this newly formed coalition.

The decision came after a compelling presentation by Jason Gumer, vice chair of NAAG and executive vice president of Monarch Casino. Gumer painted a stark picture of the potential consequences if iGaming were to be legalized in Colorado, citing a NAAG-commissioned study that projected significant economic losses.

According to the study, Colorado could face the loss of 2,050 jobs statewide, including 1,200 direct jobs in mountain towns. The economic impact could be severe, with projections of $129 million in lost labor income annually and $520 million in lost economic output. Moreover, the study warned of $830 million in increased social costs due to gambling addiction and related issues.

Gumer emphasized that the introduction of iGaming could halt the growth of traditional casinos, stating, "If iGaming comes, you will not see another casino opened, brick and mortar, again." This sentiment resonated with the Black Hawk City Council, which has long relied on the economic benefits of its physical casinos.

The move by Black Hawk highlights the growing tension between traditional gambling establishments and the expanding online casino industry. While proponents of iGaming argue that it could provide additional tax revenue and regulate an activity already occurring illegally, opponents like NAAG contend that the social and economic costs outweigh potential benefits.

Mayor David Spellman voiced concerns about the accessibility of online gambling, noting the potential for increased addiction risks. "Can you imagine when you can just gamble at work, even? I mean, this is a scourge," he remarked.

As the debate over online gambling continues to unfold across the United States, Black Hawk's decision may inspire other casino-dependent communities to take similar stances. The move also sets the stage for what could be a contentious battle in Colorado's legislature if an iGaming bill is introduced in the future.

For now, Black Hawk's alignment with NAAG sends a clear message: the city is betting on its traditional casino industry and is not ready to embrace the digital gambling frontier. As the online casino landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how this decision impacts the broader conversation surrounding iGaming in America.