Gaming and Leisure Properties Joins the Coalition Against Online Gambling Expansion, Expressing Resistance Towards iGaming
Published on: June 18, 2025, 07:38h. Last update: June 18, 2025, 09:58h.
By: Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO | Asia Pacific Gaming | Commercial Gaming | Legislation | Politics
A Landlord's Casino Gamble: GLPI Joins Forces to Curb Online Gambling
Casino goliath Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) steps into the political arena, partnering with the National Association Against iGaming to discourage state legislators from pushing for looser regulations on online gambling.
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI), formerly a subsidiary of Penn Entertainment, has joined forces with the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) – a lobbying group dedicated to keeping casino gambling confined to the brick-and-mortar scene. Their mission aims to safeguard communities from the dangers of online gambling, with Mark Stewart, NAAiG board member and executive vice president of The Cordish Companies, expressing that "GLPI's decision to join NAAiG underscores the growing consensus across the industry that iGaming's risks are real and far-reaching."
NAAiG's roster boasts heavyweights such as The Cordish Companies, Churchill Downs, Jack Entertainment, and Peppermill Resorts, while also encompassing companies holding specific interests in the gaming and hospitality sectors.
Why the Fuss About Online Gaming?
Opponents of iGaming argue that the digital gambling platform preys on addictions, siphons tax revenues, and ultimately leads to job cuts. These concerns are expected to be discussed at a state legislative committee meeting in Massachusetts next week, where a potential iGaming bill is on the docket. GLPI, through their investment in Plainridge Park Casino in Massachusetts, may have its interests directly affected by the committee's decision.
GLPI's Diverse Gaming Portfolio
GLPI owns a diverse selection of gaming properties across 20 states in the US. Following the formation of the NAAiG, the gaming and leisure real estate trust now operates 68 properties, with some already located in states where iGaming exists, such as Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and other regions considering the liberalization of online gambling, like Ohio, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois, and Louisiana.
Although GLPI's stance on iGaming is clear, their largest shareholder, Penn Entertainment, remains somewhat supportive of online gambling efforts, citing benefits such as a "catalyst for growth" for their physical casinos in states where both land-based and online casino gaming coexist.
Despite its approach to the rising tide of online gaming, GLPI has sustained a history of supporting tribal casino developments, financing various large-scale projects. For instance, GLPI contributed a $110 million construction loan to the Ione Band of Miwok Indians for their new casino enterprise in California, reinforcing their emphasis on traditional, physical gambling venues.
As the big leagues in casino real estate deepen their engagement in the political fray to combat the appeal of online gaming, the fight for in-person gambling remains a hot topic in the gaming industry.
- Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) has partnered with the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) to discourage looser online gambling regulations.
- Mark Stewart, NAAiG board member, stated that GLPI's decision to join the group emphasizes the growing industry consensus on the risks of iGaming.
- Members of NAAiG include heavyweights like The Cordish Companies, Churchill Downs, Jack Entertainment, and Peppermill Resorts.
- The concerns about online gambling, such as addiction, tax revenue loss, and job cuts, will be discussed at a Massachusetts state legislative meeting next week.
- GLPI's involvement in Plainridge Park Casino in Massachusetts might be impacted by the committee's decision on iGaming legislation.
- The real estate trust owns gaming properties in 20 states, and following the NAAiG formation, they now operate 68 properties.
- Penn Entertainment, GLPI's largest shareholder, maintains a more supportive stance toward online gambling initiatives, citing potential growth benefits.
- Although GLPI has expressed reservations about online gaming, they have a history of supporting tribal casino developments, like the Ione Band of Miwok Indians' new casino in California.
- The growing engagement of casino real estate giants, like GLPI, in politics adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the future of in-person vs. online gambling in the industry.
