Rhode Island iGaming Bill Approved by Senate and Awaits Consideration on House Floor
Rhode Island is one of the smallest states in the United States, but it is making big moves when it comes to online gambling. In June 2021, the Rhode Island Senate approved a bill that would legalize online sports betting and casino games in the state. The bill now awaits consideration on the House floor.
The bill, known as S 0037, was introduced by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey. It would allow the state’s two casinos, Twin River Casino Hotel and Tiverton Casino Hotel, to offer online sports betting and casino games to players who are physically located within Rhode Island’s borders.
Under the proposed legislation, players would be required to register in person at one of the two casinos before they could place bets online. The bill also includes provisions to protect against problem gambling, including a requirement for online operators to offer self-exclusion options and a $100,000 annual contribution to a problem gambling fund.
If the bill is passed by the House and signed into law by Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island would become the sixth state to offer online casino games, joining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, and West Virginia.
Supporters of the bill argue that legalizing online gambling would generate much-needed revenue for the state. Rhode Island has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with its tourism industry suffering due to travel restrictions and social distancing measures. The state’s two casinos have also been impacted by the pandemic, with revenues down significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that online gambling could lead to an increase in problem gambling and addiction. They also point out that online gambling could cannibalize revenue from the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos.
Despite these concerns, the bill has received strong support from the state’s casino industry and lawmakers. In a statement, Senate President Ruggerio said, “This legislation will provide additional revenue to our state at a time when we need it most. It will also allow us to compete with neighboring states that have already legalized online gaming.”
The Rhode Island iGaming bill is just one example of the growing trend towards online gambling in the United States. As more states legalize online gambling, the industry is expected to continue to grow, providing new opportunities for players and generating revenue for states.
