American online poker could face one of its biggest regulatory challenges in recent years. Rahm Emanuel
Although the initiative generally targets online gambling, there is already concern within the industry about the possible impact on poker rooms, especially in a market that is still rebuilding after years of state restrictions and fragmented regulations.
Emanuel explained that the money raised would be used to create an “American Innovation Fund,” aimed at financing artificial intelligence, quantum computing, energy, and defense technology. “We must bet on the United States, not against the United States,” he posted on his X account.
However, behind the political discourse, an uncomfortable question arises for the online poker ecosystem: who will ultimately absorb the real cost of this tax?
The US Online Poker Market Influences the Entire Global Ecosystem.
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Taxes, the bad beat for American grinders
In several US states, operators already face high tax burdens. Illinois, for example, recently increased its rates for sports betting up to 40%, while Chicago – where Rahm Emanuel governed – added a new local tax of 10.25%. If a federal tax were added, some markets could exceed 60% taxes on gross revenues.
In practice, this could translate into higher rake, less aggressive promotions, lower investment in online series, and a tougher ecosystem for grinders and recreational players. A scenario not unfamiliar in Latin America.
The recent history of online poker has already shown how delicate the balance between regulation and industry can be. When the tax pressure increases too much, many players end up migrating to unregulated platforms, reducing liquidity and weakening legal markets.
Voices of warning have also emerged from the industry. Peter Jackson
The proposal is still far from becoming law and would need Congressional approval. But the mere fact that a possible presidential candidate puts online gambling at the center of the fiscal debate has already raised alarms in the poker world.
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Source of the cover image: CNN.com
