While the world is reeling from the result of the US presidential election, what is no more than speculation at this stage is what effect the outcome is likely to have on the international games and gaming industry.
President-elect Trump has made no secret of his intentions to ensure higher import tariffs into the US to protect American jobs and he has also gone on record to declare that he intends to renegotiate all of the trade deals. It is clear from international reaction that politically his victory is popular in Russia and in China, but in western Europe it has been met with dismay.
Betting companies were enthusiastic, but only because they all benefitted from the outsider’s victory in terms of money staked on the Clinton campaign. One that didn’t is Paddy Power, which paid out early on pro-Clinton bets in October and consequently has lost $5m, it is reported.
But Trump’s history as a casino owner is seen by the land-based business – and possibly the internet gambling industry too – to spell good news. It is reasonably argued that Trump will readily identify with the land-based gaming industry and will be sympathetic to its needs.
