Could Trump’s tariffs impact the iGaming industry?

US President Donald Trump has began his second presidency term in slapping tariffs across the globe, sending Wall Street in a spiral. The impact potential is global across various industries, including the iGaming industry.

While the iGaming sector primarily operates in the digital realm, it is not entirely insulated from these economic shifts. 

Potentially, COO at BetStarters Glenn Debattista explained, the tariffs could affect payment processing and financial transactions and regulatory and compliance challenges.

“The broader economic impact of tariffs, including potential retaliatory measures from other countries, could affect international payment processing. Delays or increased costs in financial transactions may influence the efficiency of deposits and withdrawals on iGaming platforms,” he said. 

“Changes in trade policies and international relations can lead to shifts in regulatory landscapes. iGaming operators may need to navigate new compliance requirements or face restrictions in certain markets as a result of escalating trade tensions.”

While the real impact on the industry remains foggy, industry leaders will be keeping a keen eye on global developments. 

Since Malta’s iGaming sector relies heavily on international markets—particularly Europe and the U.S.—any tariffs that weaken consumer spending or financial markets could make an impact. Additionally, if tariffs increase costs for tech imports (e.g., servers, software, or payment processing tools), Malta-based operators could see higher operational expenses. However, since most of Malta’s iGaming revenue comes from regulated markets rather than US-facing unlicensed operators, the direct impact may be limited unless broader economic downturns affect European players.