State legislatures across the U.S. have hit a wall when it comes to passing online casino bills. But Soo Kim, Bally’s Chairman, has pitched a fresh angle he believes could ease the regulatory bottleneck. His proposal? Focus exclusively on live dealer games—a move he says might pave the way for broader online gaming acceptance in states like New York and Illinois.
The Live Dealer Advantage
Kim’s proposition zeroes in on live dealer table games, where real people conduct games via video, creating a bridge between traditional casinos and online platforms. This model, he argues, isn’t just a novelty; it’s a job creator. With live dealers handling the games, it combines the convenience of online access with the human touch of in-person play, potentially reducing some of the usual concerns about job losses that tend to accompany digital shifts.
And there’s another angle here. Lawmakers have long been cautious about iGaming due to worries over gambling addiction, accessibility for minors, and economic disruption to brick-and-mortar casinos. But the live dealer setup might address some of these issues by offering a controlled entry point into the online gaming world, rather than an open door to every virtual casino game under the sun. As Kim sees it, the live dealer-only model could give lawmakers a compromise they’re more willing to stand behind.
The Legislative Hurdles
In 2024, states like New York and Illinois explored iGaming legislation but faced pushback. The opposition typically comes from a mix of concerns: some fear that online casinos will lead to increased gambling addiction rates, while others worry about lost revenue for traditional casinos. There’s also an added layer of complexity when it comes to political alignments, with various parties weighing in on where they see the balance between freedom and oversight.
Kim’s incremental approach could make the legislative lift lighter. By narrowing the focus to live dealer games, he’s effectively pitching a “pilot program” that could be monitored, measured, and adjusted as necessary. Legislators might find it easier to take a first step rather than an all-in approach, especially with an option that provides transparency and job creation.
A Boon for the Local Workforce
Beyond regulatory ease, the live dealer-only proposal has another selling point: jobs. Live dealer operations require trained, professional staff to run the tables, handle customer interactions, and manage the streaming technology. These jobs often pay more than minimum wage, with potential for tips and other benefits, making them a meaningful addition to local economies.
Consider these points that could resonate with state legislators:
- Job Creation: Unlike fully automated games, live dealer games require a significant human element.
- Controlled Expansion: States can monitor and assess the impact before expanding to a wider range of iGaming options.
- Community Engagement: With a human-centered approach, players might feel a stronger sense of connection, potentially addressing some community concerns around isolation associated with online gaming.
It’s clear that live dealer games aren’t just a business strategy—they’re a potential economic boost that lawmakers might find hard to ignore.
New York and Illinois: Testing Grounds for iGaming’s Future?
New York and Illinois are ripe for this kind of proposal. Both states have been weighing iGaming expansion but haven’t yet crossed the finish line. Bally’s suggestion to focus on live dealer-only models could offer a compromise for two states with large populations, major urban centers, and a history of supporting economic expansion through regulated industries.
New York, in particular, could serve as a fascinating case study. With its dense population and vibrant casino industry, the state’s lawmakers may view the live dealer option as a middle ground between online accessibility and community interests. Illinois, meanwhile, could use the model to introduce iGaming without clashing with its substantial casino infrastructure.
Kim’s Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Kim’s proposal isn’t about compromising on innovation. Instead, it’s a pragmatic approach that might just work for everyone involved—from lawmakers wary of unrestricted iGaming to industry players eager to expand. For iGaming advocates, the incremental strategy might initially feel like a smaller win. But Kim seems confident that live dealer games can demonstrate the viability and safety of regulated online gaming.
For now, states will have to weigh the merits of this approach. But with iGaming on the rise and legislative momentum slowly shifting, live dealer-only models could become the Trojan horse that allows for a broader expansion of online casinos in the years ahead.
